Spaniard Carlos Marchena leaves Kerala Blasters FC on personal reasons

Carlos Marchena(R) will take no further part in ISL 2015

Former Spanish International Carlos Marchena has left Kerala Blasters FC to return to his home country midway through the second edition of the Indian Super League. It is understood that the Spaniard will no longer feature again for the South Indian Franchise with ‘personal commitments’ being the reason given for the abrupt departure.

Defender Carlos Marchena was the Marquee player for the Kerala Blasters FC for ISL 2015 but curiously featured in just one of the side’s games.

The Kerala franchise issued a statement through its CEO, Viren D’Silva, regarding the situation of the player in question.

"Unfortunate, Carlos Marchena has gone back to Spain due to some personal reason, and will not be with for the rest of the season. We thank him for his time here and wish him the best. We are in talks with James McFadden as possible new international signing." - Viren D'silva, CEO- KBFC.

Scottish forward James Mcfadden, who has played for Premier clubs such as Everton and Sunderland, is currently in talks with the Kerala Blasters which could see him replace Marchena as the new International signing.

Marchena has an impressive resume at both club and International level

Marchena has had nothing short of a remarkable career. The defender has tasted success at both the club and International level. He was a product of Spanish side Sevilla’s youth academy before travelling to Portugal to sign up with Benfica. He returned to Spain after a short stint with the Portuguese giants but only to join Valencia.

He spent the best part of his club career with Valencia establishing himself in the first team and made 230 appearances for the club for a period spanning nine years. During his time at the club, he helped them to five major trophies including the Liga titles in the 2001/02 and 2003/04 seasons.

Marchena enjoyed an equally impressive International career with Spain. He made 69 appearances for La Roja between 2002 to 2011. He was part of Spain’s title-winning squad in the UEFA EURO Championships in 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Owing to his solid defensive showing at the 2008 EURO Championships, Marchena found himself on the Team of the Tournament occupying a centre-back spot alongside Carlos Puyol.