Carlos signs one year deal with Prayag United

Kolkata: League football club Prayag United have signed up Costa Rican mid-fielder Carlos Hernandez for the forthcoming season.

The Costa Rican's presence will be boosting the club, which is trying to break into top-three spots in the I-League and is eyeing the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup this season. Hernandez has signed a one-year deal with Prayag, who finished seventh this season.

"I am really happy to be associated with Prayag United Sports Club. I am looking forward to this new opportunity and challenges. It has indeed been a big decision to move to India, but I feel that there is this huge zest and enthusiasm for football here. I am excited to be part of this excellent team and hope to contribute to the success of the team in the coming season," Hernandez said.

Besides Hernandez, the club has also roped in Subrata Paul, Gouramangi Singh and Ranti Martins.

The Costa Rican international has also been in the Melbourne Victory, Australian A-League club. He was the top scorer of the last season with 10 goals, totalling 36 goals in 122 games in five seasons of Australian A-League. He has also been the recipient of Johnny Warren award for best player in the Australian A-league for 2009-10.

Hernandez has also played in the U-20 World Youth Championship held in Argentina. He also represented the country in the U-23 team at the 2004 Summer Olympics. Carlos had been capped for the senior national team on 30 occasions, playing for the team during the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. (IANS)