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Atlético Ottawa signs legendary Spanish midfielder Alberto Zapater
June 28, 2023
Alberto Zapater News Roster News Transfer

Atlético Ottawa has confirmed the signing of legendary Spanish midfielder Alberto Zapater in what is another landmark moment in Canadian Premier League history.

Zapater’s impressive career spans over 450 matches at the highest level of European football, including 138 appearances in Spain’s top flight – LaLiga. With his robust and determined style of play, he has earned the nickname “The Bull” from none other than Diego Maradona himself. Atlético Ottawa is thrilled to have Zapater as a crucial addition to our squad for the remainder of the 2023 season, with an option to extend in 2024.

Amidst an emotional crowd of over 40,000 supporters, Zapater was hailed as their “eternal captain.” Despite offers from teams across Europe, Zapater chose to embrace a new challenge and embarked on his Canadian adventure.

“While I had offers in Spain, I chose not to continue playing there because Real Zaragoza is the club of my heart,” explained Zapater. “I wanted a new challenge, something entirely different from my past experiences. Canada was among four countries where I received offers, but Atlético Ottawa was the first to reach out to me after my season ended. I heard great things and felt a genuine sense of love and support.”

Fernando López, the CEO of Atlético Ottawa, expressed his excitement about Zapater’s arrival, stating, “We are very excited to welcome Alberto to Ottawa as one of, if not the biggest, signing in Canadian Premier League history. His remarkable career speaks for itself, and we believe he will give our team the boost we need to convert our good performances to even better results.” López also emphasized the club’s commitment to bringing top players to the nation’s capital, aiming to establish themselves as the benchmark for soccer in Canada.

 

Head Coach Carlos González echoed López’s sentiments, noting that Zapater’s arrival is a positive step for the squad. González believes that Zapater’s understanding of the game, both on and off the ball, along with his competitiveness, will provide solidity to the team’s midfield and increase overall strength. The coach is confident that Zapater’s experience, footballing abilities, and passion for the game will greatly benefit the team.

Zapater’s football journey began with Real Zaragoza, his boyhood club, where he emerged through the academy in 2004. Over the course of five years, he made 177 appearances for the first team, competing against notable players such as Ronaldinho and Diego Forlán, and was a runner-up in the Copa del Rey. Zapater later ventured into various top-tier leagues, including 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, Real Zaragoza, bidding farewell to the team at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Fans eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness Zapater on the field in Ottawa can now join the Atleti Family and take advantage of an exclusive half-season seat offer, granting access to a range of exciting perks. To learn more, please click here.

Zapater will be eligible to play for Atlético Ottawa once the transfer window opens on July 5, 2023.