Kolkata : Venezuelan forward Richard Celis has joined Bengal giant East Bengal FC for Indian Super League 2024-25 season remainder.
Celis, one of the most versatile attacking Footballer, has the ability to play both as Centre Forward and Left Wing.
The 28 years old has vast experience in playing in top tier Venezuelan clubs such as Atletico Venezuela CF, Deportivo JBL, Caracas FC and Academia Puerto Cabello, besides Colombia’s Millonarios FC and Slovakia’s FK Senica. Celis has also represented the Venezuelan national team in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the Copa America in the past.
He helped Caracas to win Venezuelan Primera Division title in 2019 and Millonarios’ triumphant 2022 Copa Colombia campaign.
Celis last played for Venezuela’s first-division team Academia Puerto Cabello in October 2024.
The Venezuelan forward, upon joining Red and Yellow brigade said, “I am thrilled to join East Bengal – a club with such a rich history and passionate fans. This is a new chapter in my career and I can’t wait to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead in Indian Football. Joy East Bengal!”
East Bengal FC head coach Oscar Bruzon said: “We expect Richard’s talent, skills, commitment and determination to embody East Bengal’s values. We hope he’ll make a significant impact as we strive together for immediate success.”
Welcoming Celis to the East Bengal FC squad, Emami Group’s Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal said: “We are happy to welcome Richard to the team. We hope his talent and goal-scoring prowess will strengthen our attack and help us achieve our goals as we approach the final part of the season.”
Celis will be crucial to East Bengal lineup, having played over 250 Top-Tier Club Matches across domestic leagues and the Copa Libertadores.
