Kerala Blasters sign former Mohun Bagan & ATK midfielder Darren Caldeira

The 31-year-old made 13 appearances for the Mariners last season in the I-League.

Darren Caldeira becomes the latest player to put pen to paper for Kerala Blasters FC, further adding to their glistening list of new entrants. Head coach Eelco Schattorie is intent to make a mark in the upcoming Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) season and Caldeira will be a valuable asset for him in the middle of the park.

The 31-year-old joins from the Hero I-League club, Mohun Bagan AC, where he made 13 appearances last season, scoring seven times in total. This will be his second stint in the Hero ISL, after having played for ATK in 2017-18. 

He started his career with Mahindra United before spending a year with the Spanish La Liga club, Valencia CF. He went there on a one-year visit to train with the U-18 players. In 2010, he signed for Air India  and then Mumbai FC in the following year. In 2013, he changed base to Bengaluru to sign for the current Hero ISL champions Bengaluru FC and was a part of the Blues’ maiden Hero I-League-winning campaign. 

When asked how he feels to make a comeback to the Hero ISL, the Mumbai-born midfielder said, “I'm delighted to be wearing yellow this season. It is a great time to be part of a club that has a clear set of objectives they wish to achieve with an accomplished coach and a new set of players. I’m hoping to turn a new chapter in my football career with the Blasters. The fans and the club deserve a good season going ahead and I look forward to playing my part in making that happen.” 

Schattorie also seemed happy with the new signing and commented, “Darren is a very consistent and stable player who can play all over the mid-field. I’m very happy to have signed an all-rounder like him who can take on multiple positions. His experience with several Hero ISL and Hero I-League clubs will surely be an asset to the team. Moreover, he has proven to be a team-player with a great attitude. Look forward to working with him.”