CPL Atletico Ottawa

Alberto Zapater Joins Atlético Ottawa in Historic CPL Transfer

Published on June 28, 2023 under Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Atletico Ottawa News Release


OTTAWA, ON - Atlético Ottawa is thrilled to announce the signing of Spanish midfielder Alberto Zapater, marking a historic transfer for the Canadian Premier League. With a remarkable career spanning over 450 matches at the highest level of the sport throughout Europe, including 138 appearances in the Spanish top flight, Zapater is considered a legend of the game in his native Spain.

Known for his robust and determined style of play and nicknamed "The Bull" by Diego Maradona, Zapater is set to become a pivotal part of Atlético's squad for the remainder of the 2023 season, bringing invaluable experience and talent both on and off the field, with an option to extend in 2024.

"We are very excited to welcome Alberto to Ottawa as one of, if not the biggest, signing in Canadian Premier League history," expressed Fernando López, CEO of Atlético Ottawa. "His remarkable career speaks for itself, and we believe he will give our team the boost we need to covert our good performances to even better results. This is a position on the field we have been determined to bolster and in Alberto, I think we have found the right match for our squad. We will continue with our commitment to bring top players to the nation's capital to become the benchmark for soccer in the Canadian landscape."

Head Coach Carlos González added: "Zapater's arrival is a positive step for our squad this season. His understanding of the game on and off the ball plus his ability to compete will give more solidity to our midfield and increase the overall strength of the team. We are confident that his football, experience and hierarchy as well as the passion he shows for the game will greatly benefit our team directly and indirectly as well".

Alberto Zapater's journey began with his boyhood club, Real Zaragoza, where he came through the academy in 2004. Over the next five years, the 38-year-old made 177 appearances for the first team, competing against renowned players such as Ronaldinho and Diego Forlán and came runner-up in the Copa del Rey. Zapater would move onto various top-tier leagues, including Italy's Serie A with Genoa (where he made history scoring the club's first goal in the Europa League), Portugal's Primeira Liga with Sporting CP, and Russia's Premier League with Lokomotiv Moscow, before returning to his hometown in 2016.

Zapater bid farewell to Real Zaragoza at the end of the 2022/23 season, concluding his second seven-year tenure with the club amidst an emotional crowd of over 40,000 supporters who hailed him as their "eternal captain". Despite offers from teams across Europe, Zapater embraced a new challenge by embarking on his Canadian adventure.

Reflecting on his decision, Zapater shared, "While I had offers in Spain, I chose not to continue playing there because Real Zaragoza is the club of my heart. I wanted a new challenge, something entirely different from my past experiences. Canada was among four countries where I received offers, but Atlético Ottawa was the first to reach out to me after my season ended. I heard great things and felt a genuine sense of love and support. I am eager to bring my family to this incredible city and country. Adapting to the playing style and getting to know my teammates will take a little time, but I am determined to do so as quickly as possible. I am here to contribute, enjoy the game, and compete to win every match."

Fans eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness Zapater on the field in Ottawa can now join the Atleti Family and take advantage of an exclusive half-season seat offer, granting access to a range of exciting perks. To learn more, please click here.

Zapater will be eligible to play for Atlético Ottawa when the summer window opens on 5 July 2023.

Atlético Ottawa 2023 Roster as of June 28, 2023

Goalkeepers: Nathan Ingham (CAN), Sean Melvin (CAN)

Defenders: Miguel Acosta (ESP), Maxim Tissot (CAN), Niba Macdonald (CAN), Zachary Roy (CAN), Karl Ouimette (CAN), Diego Espejo (ESP), Luke Singh (CAN), Aboubakary Sacko (FRA), Tyr Walker (CAN)

Midfielders: Zachary Verhoven (CAN), Carl Haworth (CAN), Zakaria Bahous (CAN), Ollie Bassett (NI), Noah Verhoeven (CAN), Gabriel Antinoro (CAN), Alberto Zapater (ESP)

Forwards: Malcolm Shaw (CAN), Jean-Aniel Assi (CAN), Samuel Salter (CAN), Gianni dos Santos (CPV), Rubén del Campo (CHE)

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OTHER NEWS

Atlético Ottawa duo Malcolm Shaw and Luke Singh (on loan fro Toronto FC) made their international debuts last weekend, featuring in the second half of Trinidad and Tobago's win over St. Kitts and Nevis in the 2023 Gold Cup. Click here to find out more.

Half-season memberships for Atlético Ottawa are now on sale. Click here to find out more.

Atlético Ottawa and the Canadian Premier League have confirmed a time change for our home fixture against Pacific FC on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Click here to find out more.

Atlético Ottawa supporters group, Capital City Supporters Group, is raising money throughout June for Prideraiser with members pledging a donation per goal scored by Atleti in the next month.

Check out the Atletico Ottawa Statistics

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