Atletico de Kolkata confirm signing of defender Jose Luis Espinosa from Atletico Madrid

Atletico de Kolkata celebrate with the ISL trophy last season

Atletico de Kolkata signed defender Jose Luis Espinosa Arroyo (Tiri) from their sister club Atletico de Madrid to bolster their squad in order to retain their Indian Super League title. The youngster played for the Atletico Madrid “B” team, who were relegated to the third division of the Spanish league this season and made 85 appearances for the Madrid side in his three years at the club.

In an interview with Transfer News Central he said, “I have been there for three years which have been fantastic. Never is it easy to leave a club that for me have been like my family.”

When asked if he was excited to play in India and how he would adjust to a new country, the 23-year-old said, “Of course, it will be a good experience to learn from great players. I also hope to help the team grow.”

“I think it is fundamental that whenever we visit a country, we learn their traditions. It will be a pleasure to try your food and in relation to the climate it is only a matter of adapting.”

Urges the fans to get behind the team

The Cadiz youth graduate said that his only aim for the season was to help the club retain the ISL trophy. “From me, the fans can expect effort, dedication and commitment to the team! My only goal today is to defend the title won by the team last season,” he said.

“I think that is it possible [to retain the trophy] because of the quality of players that make up the team. My message to the fans is that we will give everything in every game, they support us and accompany us until the final game.”

He will join three other Spanish players in the side when they kick off their title defence against Chennaiyin FC on the 3^rd ?of October 2015.