AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: Sporting Clube de Goa unveiled their marquee player in Trinidad and Tobago World Cupper Anthony Wolfe, a statement from the club stated.

“Sporting Clube de Goa’s emblem is a lion and with the versatility of Wolfe adding extra bite to the attack, we are hoping to create the most ferocious formation in the I-League,” stated Sporting Clube de Goa President Peter Vaz on the new acquisition at the Models office in Panjim, on Thursday.

Wolfe first came under the Flaming Oranje radar when he performed spectacularly in the second half of last season for Churchill Brothers, where he helped them to win the Federation Cup.

“I am delighted to have signed for one of the most exciting teams in Indian professional Football,” expressed Wolfe, moments after signing on the dotted line for Sporting Goa.

Wolfe was part of the Trinidad and Tobago squad that qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

“Going to the World Cup is a dream for any footballer. It is an experience that I will never forget,” reasoned Wolfe.

Trinidad historically became the smallest nation to ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup with a population of around 1.3 million people, which is even smaller than the state of Goa.

During his time with the national team Wolfe worked under legendary Dutch Coach Leo Beenhakker, who has won titles with Real Madrid, Ajax and Feynoord.

“I have learnt so much from Beenhakker. He along with many local Coaches has contributed a lot to football in Trinidad,” stated Wolfe.

Since making his debut against Finland in 2003, Wolfe turned out in various positions for Trinidad including defence, midfield and attack, where he has netted three goals along the way.

Wolfe has played alongside former English Premier League stars such as Dwight Yorke (Manchester United), Shaka Hislop (Newcastle United) and Trinidad’s all-time leading goal scorer Stern John.

Early in his career Wolfe tasted success as he lifted the Trinidad league title with North East Stars in 2004 and two years later finished as the league’s joint top goal scorer with San Juan Jabloteh, before packing his bags to ply his trade in the US.  

When he was a youth, Wolfe was pretty nifty with a cricket bat also and represented various teams, but there came a time when he had to decide to devote full attention to football.

“Brian Lara is a massive star in my country.  I am also a huge fan of Sachin Tendulkar. They have both broken so many records which are truly inspiring for any sportsmen,” stated the athletic Wolfe.

“I loved to play both games, but in the end I chose football,” said the thirty year old.

Wolfe was partly persuaded to come to India after seeing fellow countrymen, Densill Theobold who previously played for Dempo and Shillong Lajong’s Cornel Glenn set up base in the country.

“We welcome Anthony to the Flaming Oranje and I am sure he will make an immediate impact,” stated Sporting Goa Coach Oscar Bruzon.

Picture courtesy: Sporting clube de Goa