In times like the one Real Zaragoza is currently going through, we miss the figure of Alberto Zapater more than ever. The great captain used to show his face – to act as spokesperson and firewall of the dressing room – when things were at their worst, but today, far from the club and the Aragonese capital, he is not not the protagonist of this, but of having renovated his contract with Atletico Ottawa.

The Ejea midfielder filled the clause minimum number of matches during the recently concluded 2022-23 season, which automatically extends its relationship with the Canadian entity, which announced the news this Tuesday through its social networks and official channels.

“Atlético Ottawa today announces the contractual status of the current team, following the conclusion of the Canadian Premier League. Nine players from the club's 2023 squad have guaranteed contracts for the 2024 season. They are defenders Karl Ouimette and Aboubakary Sacko; midfielders Gabriel Antinoro, Ollie Bassett and Noah Verhoeven; and attackers Rubén del Campo, Gianni Dos Santos and Samuel Salter; while the option for HASBerto Zapater It was activated automatically once the terms of your contract were met,” they reported.

“We would like to thank everyone who played a role in the 2023 season for their efforts.“, said Fernando López, general manager of Atlético Ottawa. “Now is the time to reassess our strengths and needs, to ensure a team that will be competitive in achieving our goals. To continue growing, we need stability, and to have stability, we need results. In 2024, we hope to have both,” they added.

Alberto Zapater thus ensures a second campaign on Canadian lands. He began his adventure last June, after saying goodbye to Real Zaragoza, and quickly became the symbol of this Atlético de Madrid franchise club, playing a total of 16 matches as a starter.

The man from Zaragoza has put down roots on the other side of the pond. His family is very comfortable there. It is common to see them – via Instagram – visiting characteristic places in Canada or the United States and now, on the occasion of Black FridayMaría (wife), Alejandra (daughter) and Oliver (son) were used as the image of a promotional campaign.

In his fourth international experience, after passing through Russia (Lokomotiv Moscow), Italy (Genoa) and Portugal (Sporting Lisbon), Zapater is the great emblem of the Canadian Premier League, a tournament that wants to continue growing hand in hand with footballers of its characteristics.