David Ospina Joins Atlante FC Following Departure from Atlético Nacional
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Atlante FC has announced the signing of former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina, as the seasoned Colombian international embarks on a new journey after departing Atlético Nacional as a free agent.
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The 37-year-old was reportedly considering retirement following his exit from Atlético Nacional but has chosen to extend his playing career in Mexico. Atlante, newly promoted for this season, has secured Ospina as a notable addition.
Ospina arrives after successful stints with Nice, Arsenal, Napoli, Al-Nassr, and Atlético Nacional, joining a group of Colombian goalkeepers who have made their mark in Mexico, following the likes of Miguel Calero, Camilo Vargas, and Kevin Mier.
Recently, Ospina served as a backup for Colombia during the World Cup, although he did not see action in the tournament.
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Ospina’s journey in English football began when Arsenal signed him from Nice on 27 July 2014, after he caught attention during the 2014 World Cup with Colombia. Barcelona handed him a four-year contract.
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He made his first appearance in the League Cup against Southampton in September 2014, followed by his Premier League debut against Stoke City in January of the next year.
During his four-season tenure in London, Ospina played in 70 matches across all competitions. He regularly featured as Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper and alternated as the first-choice league keeper with Wojciech Szczesny and later Petr Cech.
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During his time with Arsenal, Ospina secured two FA Cup titles in the 2014-15 and 2016-17 seasons, along with the 2017 Community Shield.
The arrival of Bernd Leno in 2018 limited Ospina’s role, leading to a loan transfer to Napoli that summer.
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After a promising season where he made 24 appearances in both Serie A and the Europa League, Napoli solidified the move with a permanent agreement in July 2019 for €3.5 million.
More than a decade after first stepping into English football, Ospina’s playing career will continue, and likely conclude, in Mexico with Atlante.
Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP