Ex-Manchester City star signs for Dempo

New Delhi :  Former Manchester City defender Simon Colosimo Friday completed a signing with former I-League Champions Dempo.

Colosimo last played as a Central defender for A-League Club Melbourne Heart. Colosimo also boasts of representing the Australian senior national team in 26 international matches and is the second English Premier League player to have joined Dempo. Arsenal’s Rohan Ricketts was part of the Dempo SC squad in I-League 2012-13.

After graduating from Australian Institute of Sport Programme, Colosimo signed with the National Soccer League team Carlton FC. Some promising performances in the National U-23 squad earned him a call from the EPL Giants Manchester City.

After spending a season with six appearances with the ‘Sky Blues,’ he then moved on to Antwerp and Pahang FA before returning to Australia and signing for Perth Glory in 2005.

He also enjoyed a successful stint with Sydney FC, playing a crucial role in the club’s 2009-10 double title winning season before inking a deal with Melbourne Heart in 2010. He was released by the club at the end of last season.

Colosimo who also represented Australia at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 as well as in the AFC Asia Cup Qualifiers in 2011 is expected to reach India in the first week of July.

Dempo’s new coach Arthur Papas, also an Australian, influenced Colismo to join the Goan outfit.

“Simon was identified as a player who would be valuable in assisting Dempo during this transition period due to his experiences both internationally and in the Australia where he has captained almost every team he has played for,??? Papas was quoted as saying by au.fourfourtwo.com

“After meeting him only recently I was convinced he still has the motivation and desire to win, and I’m confident he will adjust quickly to life in Goa and Indian football. Also, with the amount of young players we will be looking to develop he will play an important part in mentoring these boys during a critical phase,??? he added.

Papas was convinced about Colismo’s level of motivation.

“Simon is a player with a high level of experience in Australia, Europe and Asia, and internationally has represented Australia at all age levels culminating in nearly 30 full senior appearances.

“He has captained many of the teams he has played with and I expect him enhance our football style whilst imparting his knowledge, leadership and professionalism to assist our club in a time when we are undergoing a transition period,??? Papas said.