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Kolkata, June 5 (IANS)
Defending Indian Super League (ISL) champions Atletico de Kolkata on Friday signed ace Canadian striker Iain Hume who will now don the red and white jersey for the second edition of the tournament.
Hume, the hero of the last edition of Indian Super League 2014 who was awarded the Golden Ball for his stellar performances in the Kerala Blasters goals, is all set to join the bandwagon of nine promising Indian players.
“We at Atletico de Kolkata welcome Iain Hume to our family and believe that it is going to be an exhilarating experience for him. With the signing of the first foreign player of this season, it is our endeavour to assimilate the best possible team.
“I am sure we will again make the city and our fans proud," said Sanjeev Goenka, co-owner, Atletico de Kolkata, in a release on Friday.
“We at Atletico de Kolkata welcome Hume to don the red and white jersey. We look forward to another exciting season of ISL in 2015. I am sure they will make the city and our fans proud,” said co-owner Harsh Neotia.
Habas looking forward to working with Hume
Head Coach Antonio Lopez Habas said he is looking forward to working with the 31-year-old former Leicester City forward.
“I look forward to work with Iain Edward Hume this year. His last year's performance and club commitments surely must be keeping him match ready when we embark on our quest for the trophy. Hopefully, he will soon be the toast of all Atletico de Kolkata fans in India,” Habas said.
The Scottish-born Canadian international striker progressed through the youth ranks at Tranmere Rovers and moved to the senior ranks in due course. His best season for Tranmere was during the 2004-05 campaign where he finished top scorer with 16 goals.
He then made an expensive move to Leicester City and notched up great success there followed by another pricey switch to Barnsley. Hume subsequently played for Preston North End, Donacaster Rovers and Fleetwood Town and enjoyed modest success.
He has a reputation for scoring spectacular goals and helping underdog teams humble the powerhouses. On the international front, he dazzled at the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship in Argentina and made his senior debut for Canada in a February 2003 friendly against Libya.
