Former Real Madrid and Spain footballer agrees to join Hong Kong club
Asier Illarramendi, who won silverware with Real Madrid, signs for Hong Kong Premier League side after spell in US
Kitchee have staged a notable coup after completing the signing of former Real Madrid and Spain midfielder Asier Illarramendi.
The 35-year-old featured 11 times in Madrid’s 2013-14 Champions League-winning campaign. In two seasons with the Spanish giants, he made 90 appearances under boss Carlo Ancelotti and also won the Club World Cup and Copa del Rey.
Illarramendi spent most of his career with boyhood club Real Sociedad, playing more than 250 games in two spells either side of his time with Madrid.
But there will be question marks over his readiness for action, given his last game was for FC Dallas in October.
“Asier is a high-quality player; his experience and leadership will be an asset to the team and to the club,” Inigo Calderon, the Kitchee head coach, said.
Illarramendi, who has three international caps following a debut in June 2017, is Kitchee’s eighth signing of the summer.