Kolkata: Amidst the World Cup, Mohun Bagan Super Giant have signed the dynamic Brazilian midfielder, Miguel Figueira Damasceno. The Green-and-Maroons have secured a two-year contract with the reigning ISL Golden Ball winner. Having played in the Serie A, Miguel first grabbed attention after arriving in the Asian continent while playing for a club in Bangladesh. The Brazilian midfielder spent three successful seasons with Bangladesh champions Bashundhara Kings before making the move to India last year. In his debut season in Indian football, Miguel played a pivotal role in East Bengal’s title-winning campaign, earning recognition as the tournament’s Best Player and clinching the coveted Golden Ball award. As an attacking midfielder, in addition to strengthening the midfield, this twenty-six-year-old Brazilian footballer can deliver pinpoint, goal-bound passes. Last season in the ISL, apart from scoring two goals in 12 matches, he provided five assists.
Following his contract with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Miguel Figueira said in an interview from Brazil, “Mohun Bagan supporters are very passionate and lively, much like Brazilian supporters. Having played in Kolkata for a year, I have seen the love the Green-and-Maroon supporters have for the team. They fill the galleries with expectations and emotions. For them, nothing matters more than winning matches and lifting trophies and they are prepared to give everything for that dream. I thrive under that expectation to become champions; it’s a kind of pressure I genuinely enjoy. I’m eagerly awaiting the opportunity to don the Green-and-Maroon jersey. The thought of stepping onto the pitch in those colours, in front of the finest supporters of the country’s best club, is something that excites me tremendously.”
“When the offer came from Mohun Bagan Super Giant, I first informed my wife about it. After all, an opportunity to join the best club in the country is something that deserves serious consideration. So, the two of us had long discussions about it for several days. Simultaneously, discussions continued with the club regarding various matters. Finally, I decided that I will play for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the new season.”
“I’ve had the experience of playing against Mohun Bagan, so I know exactly how demanding those matches can be. The supporters in Green-and-Maroon think of nothing but winning and becoming champions. That’s why, whether it’s the ISL, the Durand Cup, the Super Cup or any other competition, my objective will always be to help the team fight for the title. More than scoring goals, I love to provide assists. In the strike force, I will have a natural goal scorer like Jamie Maclaren. I want to show some magic on the field with Maclaren. I want to also enjoy some good goal celebration moments with him.”
“The Kolkata Derby is always a special occasion. I understand what this match means to the supporters and the emotions attached to it. No other match day compares to the Derby day. This season, I’ll have the privilege of playing in the Derby wearing the Green-and-Maroon jersey. Rest assured, Green-and-Maroon supporters, wherever and in whichever tournament the Derby takes place, Mohun Bagan will win and I will give my one hundred percent to make them win. Winning a Derby lifts the mood for the entire week, while defeat means carrying that disappointment for days. I do not want to give that pain to the members and supporters.”
“I played for three years in Bangladesh’s best club, Bashundhara Kings. I made them champions in the league. I played in India last year as well. I have no hesitation in saying that the standard of the league in India is much more advanced than in Bangladesh. It is more competitive. Indian footballers are much more talented and skilled compared to Bangladeshi footballers.”
“Mohun Bagan will take the field with an even stronger team this season. Most of the footballers of the Indian national team will play for Mohun Bagan this time as well. Among the foreigners, Alberto Rodríguez is an outstanding defender. I have played against Alberto in the Derby. It is difficult to get past him. He is very strong, dynamic and one of the best defenders in the ISL that I have seen.”
