Atletico de Kolkata is on the verge of bringing a former Premier League star to India. With the 3rd edition of the Indian Super League due to start, all 8 franchises are trying hard to get their squad aptly reinforced as they chase for the title. It is believed that the Kolkata-based team co-owned by Sourav Ganguly, are in the frame to sign 33-year-old defender Emmanuel Eboue.
Emmanuel Eboue is currently serving a one-year ban imposed on him by FIFA. On March 31, 2016, Sunderland terminated his contract after he failed to settle a debt related issue with his agent Sebastien Boisseau. Consequently, FIFA suspended the player for a year and Eboue had no further part in Sunderland’s campaign. However, he has got the license to ply his trade in any other continent.
It is believed that the Atletico management is keen to seize hold of this opportunity and make their defense stronger by acquiring the signature of the Ivory Coast man. Having already signed few very good players, ATK coach Jose Molina has confirmed his interest in the Ivory Coast international.
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He said: “Emmanuel Eboue is a great player who was Arsenal’s utility man. He is someone who can bring us a lot. We hope to reach an agreement with him”
Emmanuel Eboue had an illustrious career with Arsenal in the EPL where he spent 7 seasons with the Gunners. Having joined from Beveren in 2004, he played 214 games for Arsene Wenger’s side before leaving the London side in 2011.
He moved on to turkey and joined Galatasaray and made a total of 102 appearances for the Turkish giants. Last year his contract was not renewed by Galatasaray and the player had to leave the club eventually. On March 9, 2016, he signed a short-term contract with Sunderland but never played a game for the Black Cats.
He has been rock solid at the back for his country as well, managing 79 caps for the Cote d’Ivoire team and was even a part of the 2010 FIFA world cup under Sven Goran Eriksson.
He will be a quality addition for the 2014 ISL champions as they look to replicate their 1st season under the new manager. Apart from the Indians like Arnab Mondal, Debjit Majumder, Keegan Pereira, Kingshuk Debnath, Prabir Das, Pritam Kotal and Robert Lalthlamuana ATK have two Spanish defenders Pablo Gallardo and Jose Luis Espinosa Arroyo to take care of the back.
