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Indian Super League side SC East Bengal have announced the retention of Ankit Mukherjee besides the signing of Mahesh Naorem on loan from Kerala Blasters.
Ankit joined SC East Bengal from ATK Mohun Bagan in the January 2021 transfer window last season, making 12 appearances for the red and gold brigade.
“Playing for a club like East Bengal is always a matter of great pride. I was so happy when I joined the team last January, and the feeling is no different now. I want to improve every single day and that will be my aim this season. I want to help the club reach greater heights and make the fans happy,” Ankit said. “I loved working under Robbie Fowler (head coach) last season and I am so looking forward to reuniting with the coaching team this time. They helped me a lot with the technical aspects of the game, and I strongly believe I will only get better going forward,” added the 25-year old.
Ankit started his youth career at East Bengal Academy and went on to feature for Kolkata-based clubs like Aryan FC and Mohammedan Sporting Club before joining ATK FC ahead of the 2018-19 ISL season.
The city-based footballer made his ISL debut against FC Pune City and went on to make 10 appearances for the side over the course of two seasons.
22 year old Mahesh Naorem played for Sudeva Delhi FC in the I-League last season, making 14 appearances after he was loaned out by Kerala Blasters.
“This is a big opportunity for me. I have heard so much about East Bengal growing up. It is one of the biggest clubs in Asia and I cannot wait to put on the red and gold shirt and make the fans happy,” Naorem said.
“I will give my best everyday in training and try to impress the gaffer (Robbie Fowler). Being a forward myself, I am also looking forward to learning so much from him. He is such a legend and that only adds to the motivation,” he added.
Naorem began his career in his home state of Manipur with Birchandra Memorial Sporting Club. He went on to join the youth side of Shillong Lajong FC and played for them in the Shillong Premier League. Naorem was promoted to the senior team ahead to the 2018–19 season and made his debut against Aizawl FC in the I-League. He netted a brace as Shillong Lajong won 2–1. The Manipur-born footballer signed for Kerala Blasters FC ahead of the 2020-21 ISL season before he was sent to Sudeva Delhi on loan in November last year.
