Experienced Spanish forward Markel Susaeta has signed with Melbourne City for the remainder of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.
The 32-year-old has made over 500 career appearances during his 12 seasons with Athletic Bilbao and recently had a brief stint with J-League side Gamba Osaka. Susaeta played 380 times in La Liga and made 75 appearances in European competitions, winning the Spanish Supercopa with Athletic Bilbao in 2015/16 in a 5-1 aggregate victory over FC Barcelona.
He also reached the UEFA Europa League final in 2011/12 and was a runner-up in the Copa del Rey—the Spanish FA Cup—on three occasions.
Susaeta scored in his only international appearance for Spain during a 5-1 victory against Panama in November 2012, where Chelsea’s Pedro scored twice, and Sergio Ramos and David Villa were also on the scoresheet. The forward, who will be available for Saturday’s Round 15 match against Newcastle Jets pending visa approval, came through Athletic Bilbao’s renowned cantera system and has represented the Basque Country seven times in exhibition matches.
“I’m excited to be joining Melbourne City for the rest of the season and can’t wait to get started in Australia,” Susaeta told Melbourne City’s official website.
“I’m hoping I can help the team play the exciting, attacking football the club is known for and achieve the success the group set out to accomplish at the start of the season.”
Susaeta fills City’s final visa spot, which became available after Javier Cabrera was released last week following just nine Hyundai A-League appearances.
“We’re incredibly pleased to have a player like Markel at Melbourne City,” said Melbourne City FC Director of Football Michael Petrillo.
“Markel is well suited to the style of play we’ve implemented under Erick [Mombaerts] and will bring flair, potency, and experience to our attacking lineup.
“We’ve been tracking Markel for quite some time, so securing his place in the squad is a testament to the club’s ability to attract a player of his caliber.
“His outstanding record at Athletic Bilbao speaks for itself, and his experience in La Liga and Europe will elevate the entire squad as we push towards the latter stages of the season.”
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