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Inaugural 2014 Indian Super League champions Atletico de Kolkata today announced that they have brought back marquee striker Helder Postiga besides midfielders Borja Fernandez & Javi Lara for the third season of the ISL.
The 33-year-old former Portugal striker Postiga returns to the ISL for a second stint as marquee with ATK after only playing one match last season, the opener in Chennai, in which he had scored two goals. The injury picked up in that game was so grave that he did not feature in any 2015 ISL match thereafter.
Postiga, who has played in two FIFA World Cups and three UEFA European Championships, in the first half of 2016 played in the Portuguese Primeira Liga team Rio Ave FC and made 11 appearances scoring 5 goals and helping his side qualify for the UEFA Europa League, which made ATK look at him again after a deal with Uruguay legend Diego Forlan fell through.
The team management also announced the retention of two key midfielders from Spain in Borja Fernandez and Javi Lara, while further ATK has roped in left back Keegan Pereira on loan from Bengaluru FC and left winger Abinash Ruidas on loan from East Bengal Club.
ATK head coach Jose Molina welcomed Postiga into the side by saying, “Postiga is a big name for any team and his presence will definitely bolster the team for the season ahead and also allow the Indian and International players to learn from him about the way he goes about preparing for a major tournament.”
“He has been playing good football of late and we hope he will be in his finest form once he is in India. Along with Postiga the presence of Borja and Javi will add fervour to the midfield,” Molina added.
Goenka said Postiga’s recent form and his ability to score goals made the franchise opt for him again. “Postiga has been in electrifying form and fitness and his sheer ability to score goals made us go back to him and seal the deal. The red and white brigade fans were unfortunate to miss his on field camaraderie with our Indian players and skills last season owing to his injury.”
“But this year the ATK management feels that it will be an altogether different sight to see him charge with the ball. We would also like to thank Atletico de Madrid for their support in recruiting the international players,” said Goenka.
