Gary Hooper makes Indian Super League switch as former Celtic striker joins Kerala Blasters

Former Celtic striker Gary Hooper has signed for Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters as the 32-year-old joins the tenth cub of his senior career.

Gary Hooper in action for Wellington Phoenix against Perth Glory

Hooper, who scored 82 goals for Celtic in 138 games across all competitions between 2010 and 2013, makes the move to India after a spell with Wellington Phoenix in Australia’s A-League.

He helped the New Zealand-based outfit to their best season in club history, despite the campaign being interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now Hooper is hoping to fire the Kochi-based club to ISL glory.

Speaking to sportskeeda.com, the English forward said: “I feel really proud and happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in India. I’m really excited for the season to start. I want to give my best and score goals for our fans and help the team.

"I have heard a lot about the Indian Super League, and it appears to be very exciting too. I’m eagerly looking forward to testing myself and seeing how I perform this season.”

Despite having scored in the top four divisions of English football as well as in the FA Cup, League Cup, Football League Trophy, FA Trophy, Champions League, Europa League, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup, and the Scottish top flight as well as efforts in the A-League, New Zealand Football Championship, the Conference National and Conference South, Hooper still rates one of his goals for Celtic as the best in his career to date.

He added: “So far, the most memorable goal of my career was against Spartak Moscow in the Champions League at Celtic Park, which helped my side reach the round of 16 stage.”