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Kerala Blasters FC have announced the contract extension of Uruguay midfielder Adrián Nicolás Luna Retamar until the summer of 2024.
The attacking midfielder, who had initially joined Kerala Blasters on a two-year contract, has penned an extension that will keep him at the club until 2024, with the option to extend for a further year.
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic said, “As I said last season, Adrián fits perfectly in the club and is one of the most valuable players in ISL. He has a great personality and he is a player who brought something special to our team. We are all delighted about his extension. I am glad that he will be in Kochi next season and I am certain he can’t wait to play in front of that Yellow Sea.”
Luna started the 2021/22 season as club vice-captain and later replaced Jessel Carneiro as the captain of Kerala Blasters when the latter was out due to injury. Luna had six goals and seven assists in his maiden Kerala Blasters campaign.
Ever energetic and full of running, he was ranked high in tackles and ball recoveries in last year’s Indian Super League besides scoring some exceptional goals. His contributions in both attack and defence also earned him a spot in the ISL Team of the Year.
Adrian Luna spent his academy years with Club Atletico Progreso, Montevideo Wanderers, and Defensor Sporting in his native Uruguay. It was at Defensor where he first advanced to the U-19 team, before making his first senior team appearance for the club in 2010.
He was loaned to Spanish clubs Espanyol, Gimnastic, and CE Sabadell. The 29-year-old then moved to Mexico where he represented Tiburones Rojos and Venados FC. Prior to joining the Kerala Blasters in the summer of 2021, Luna signed for Australian outfit Melbourne City, making 51 appearances over two years for the Melbourne club.
Luna has also played in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scoring a goal each in both tournaments. In a club career spanning over 11 years, the attacking midfielder has made 364 appearances for all clubs, scoring 53 times and providing 53 assists.
Kerala Blasters FC sporting director Karolis Skinkys said, “I’m happy that Adrian commits to our club for a longer period. Luna is a true leader, fighter, and big personality.”
“We would love to have more players like him. The contract extension is a great achievement for the club and I would like to congratulate all the supporters behind it.”
Adrián Luna commented, “I am thrilled to be part of the Yellow Army and honoured to have renewed my contract with KBFC. My first experience in Kerala has been remarkable and I believe my next three years with the club will be tremendous.”
“I hope to give my best performance in each game and to get the best for the team in the coming season.”
With pre-season set to kick off on August 1 in Kochi, the Kerala Blasters will surely hope that Luna and company will lead the club forward as it prepares for the upcoming Indian Super League season.
The feeling is mutual, Adrian! 😍#Luna2024 #YennumYellow #KBFC #കേരളബ്ലാസ്റ്റേഴ്സ് pic.twitter.com/AP9dvUIKVc
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) July 22, 2022
