Atlético Ottawa today confirmed the return of legendary Spanish midfielder Alberto Zapater for the 2024 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season.

The 38-year-old native of Ejea de los Caballeros, Spain automatically sealed his return to Atleti after playing every minute of the 16 games Ottawa contested following his addition to the squad as a mid-season signing in June 2023. Zapater’s consistent inclusion in Ottawa’s starting eleven triggered an appearance clause in his contract and ensured he would return to the nation’s capital for a second season.

“Alberto was one of, if not the biggest, signing in Canadian Premier League history and it is clear that he quickly became a critical part of our 2023 squad, so we were more than happy when he guaranteed his own future with the club,” said Fernando Lopez, CEO, Atlético Ottawa. “He sets a high standard as an experienced professional within our locker room, and continues to show his abilities on the field. We look forward to seeing the impact he will make in his first full season in Ottawa.”

Atlético Ottawa is committed to bringing top players to the city, aiming to establish itself as the benchmark for soccer in Canada. In signing and retaining Zapater, the club is making good on that commitment. Zapater’s football journey began with Real Zaragoza of La Liga, Spain’s top division of professional soccer. He graduated from his boyhood club’s academy in 2004 and went on to make 177 appearances for the first team, competing against such notable players as Ronaldinho and Diego Forlán and finishing as a runner-up in the Copa del Rey in 2005.

Zapater later spent time in Italy’s Serie A with Genoa, Portugal’s Primeira Liga with Sporting CP, and Russia’s Premier League with Lokomotiv Moscow. In 2016, he returned to his hometown club Zaragoza, bidding farewell to the team at the end of the 2022/23 season after he was hailed as the club’s “eternal captain.” His impressive career spans more than 450 matches at the highest levels of European football, and his robust and determined style of play caused legendary No. 10 Diego Maradona to nickname Zapater “The Bull.”

“Alberto’s understanding of the game, both on and off the ball, as well as his overall competitiveness was an important addition at the core of our squad last season,” said Carlos Gonzalez, Head Coach, Atlético Ottawa. “Having a player of Alberto’s quality and with his experience is an important cornerstone as we build out our squad for 2024.”

“I am very happy to say that Atlético and I will continue together one more year.” Zapater added in a statement to Season Seat Members at a recent Holiday gathering to celebrate the wrapping of the 2023 season.

Zapater earned a spot in the CPL’s Gatorade Team of the Week once in 2023. In a two-match week in July 2023, he won 12 of 19 duels and made four interceptions in a 2-0 win over Cavalry FC and before playing destroyer again in a 3-1 victory over Vancouver FC, making three interceptions and winning four aerial duels.

Season Seat Memberships for the 2024 Canadian Premier League season at TD Place are on sale now, offering Atlético Ottawa fans the best value for their money, a place in the Atleti Family as well as fantastic perks and exclusives to be discovered throughout the season. Details can be found at HERE.

Atlético Ottawa 2024 Roster as of Nov. 24, 2023:

Goalkeepers: Nathan Ingham

Defenders: Karl Ouimette, Tyr Walker

Midfielders: Gabriel Antinoro, Ollie Bassett, Aboubakary Sacko, Noah Verhoeven,

Alberto Zapater

Forwards: Ruben del Campo, Gianni dos Santos, Samuel Salter