East Bengal sign Lionel Messi's Barcelona teammate Victor Vazquez

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East Bengal have announced the signing of Spanish midfielder Victor Vazquez for the remainder of the current ISL season.

Victor Vazquez has been roped in as a replacement for Borja Herrera, who joins FC Goa on loan.

The veteran midfielder is expected to be in Kolkata in a day and will undergo a medical at the city.

Vazquez has a rich profile in career. The 37-year-old started his journey from the La Masia academy of Barcelona. He was promoted to first team by Pep Guardiola in 2008 and used to play with Lionel Messi.

The midfielder also has a Champions League goal for the Cules when he scored against Rubin Kazan in the 2010-11 season. He made two appearances for the Spanish giants before joining Belgian club Club Brugge.

After leaving Club Brugge, Vázquez has played for several clubs like Mexican club Cruz Azul, Qatar Star League's Al-Arabi and Umm Salal SC, Belgian Pro League's K.A.S. Eupen and Major League Soccer's Toronto FC and LA Galaxy.

The East Bengal Head Coach Carles Cuadrat said, "Victor is a product of FC Barcelona's style of football. He is a player from the generation of Lionel Messi, Gerard Piqué and Cesc Fabregas. His creativity in the midfield will offer many moments of joy and brilliance to the East Bengal supporters. He is accustomed to playing on the big stage, having played in the UEFA Champions League before and we believe that he will shine in the ISL too."

The veteran midfielder also expressed his happiness in joining the Kolkata club and spoke to the club after the signing.

"I am very happy to join Emami East Bengal. I have heard about the illustrious history of the club and the incredible passion of the fans from Coach Carles and Coach Dimas. I am excited to make my mark in Indian football and contribute to this iconic club's success. Joy East Bengal!," Vazquez said.