In a massive announcement for the club, ISL Team Atletico de Kolkata has announced the return of Helder Postiga amongst its ranks. This announcement comes before the start of the third edition of the Indian Super League.
The title winners of the first edition and the semi-finalist of the second season of the ISL, Atletico de Kolkata look set to mount on a major title challenge this year too. In a notice issued by the club's official management, the statement reads:
“On behalf of the team management, we welcome home Postiga within the Atletico de Kolkata family for the second time as our marquee player for the 2016 season of ISL. 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.” The statement was signed by the co-owner of ATK, Mr Sanjiv Goenka.
Also read: ISL 2016: Atletico de Kolkata present new head coach Jose Molina and their new jersey
The Portuguese international has represented his national team in two World Cups and three European Championships. His contribution for his national side has been quite substantial.
His brief stint in the quarter-finals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he came on towards to final quarter of the match to replace Luis Figo, saw him score a goal and defeat England to knock them out in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
He played a substantial role in helping Portugal reach the finals of the 2004 Euros where they subsequently lost to Greece by a goal. Postiga did not feature in that match.
Great debut in the ISL
He made a noticeable debut in the ISL as the youngest marquee player when Atletico de Kolkata signed him in July 2015. After making his debut in the opening game, he went on to register no appearances for the team that season as Kolkata was knocked out in the semi-finals. The only game that he did feature in saw him score two of the three goals by ATK. He returned to Portugal at the end of the footballing season to play for Rio Ave FC.
Other major overseas signings have been retained by the club as the official team for the upcoming season was announced. Iain Hume, Borja Fernandez and Javi Lara see a return to the team at the beginning of yet another season of the Indian league.
“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 like ISL. 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.,” Jose Molina, the Head coach of ATK was quoted as saying.
The ISL has often been recognised for promoting the sport of football in the country as well as a major glamorous stage for young talents to showcase their skill in. Such major signings are surely a step in the positive direction for the growth of football in the country.
