Ex-Gunner finds new club in Mexico

David Ospina has completed his latest move after leaving Atlético Nacional, opening a fresh chapter more than a decade after joining Arsenal.

David Ospina of Colombia warms up prior to the South American Qualifier match between Uruguay and Colombia at Centenario Stadium on November 15 — Photo by Ernesto Ryan/Getty Images

Atlante FC have confirmed the signing of former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina, with the experienced Colombia international continuing his playing career after leaving Atlético Nacional as a free agent.

The 37-year-old had been linked with retirement after leaving Atlético Nacional, but has instead opted for a move to Mexico, where Atlante, newly promoted this season, have secured a high-profile free agent.

Ospina arrives after spells with Nice, Arsenal, Napoli, Al-Nassr and Atlético Nacional, becoming the latest Colombian goalkeeper to play in Mexico following the success of Miguel Calero, Camilo Vargas and Kevin Mier.

Most recently, Ospina was on the bench for Colombia at the World Cup but he did not make an appearance during the tournament.

David Ospina of Colombia (2L) and teammates sit in the bench prior to the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 semifinal match between Uruguay and Colombia at Bank of America Stadium on July 10, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. — Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Arsenal signed Ospina from Nice on 27 July 2014 after he impressed for Colombia at the 2014 World Cup, handing him a four-year contract.

He made his debut in the League Cup against Southampton in September 2014 before making his Premier League debut against Stoke City the following January.

Across four seasons in north London, Ospina made 70 appearances in all competitions, serving as Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper and spending periods as the club’s first-choice league keeper ahead of Wojciech Szczesny, before later rotating with Petr Cech.

David Ospina of Arsenal comes on for Petr Cech of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on February 3, 2018 in London — Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

His time at Arsenal brought two FA Cup winners’ medals, in 2014-15 and 2016-17, as well as the 2017 Community Shield.

The arrival of Bernd Leno in 2018 reduced Ospina’s role, prompting a loan move to Napoli that summer.

After making 24 appearances during the 2018-19 campaign and impressing in Serie A and the Europa League, the Italian club completed a permanent deal in July 2019 for a reported €3.5 million.

More than a decade after first arriving in English football, Ospina’s career will now continue, and most likely finish, in Mexico with Atlante.

Napoli's Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina is stretched out of the pitch following a head injury during the Italian Serie A football match Atalanta vs Napoli played on July 2, 2020 behind closed doors at the Atleti Azzurri d'Italia stadium in Bergamo, as the country eases its lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 infection, caused by the novel coronavirus. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP) — Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP

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