Kolkata: ATK Mohun Bagan have announced the signing of defender Ashutosh Mehta from NorthEast United FC on Tuesday for the upcoming Indian Super League season. It is an emotional homecoming for the Mumbai-lad who won the I-League with Mohun Bagan in the 2019-20 season.
However, Mehta wasn’t retained by Mohun Bagan after their merger with ATK last season. Mehta won his first I-League with Aizawl FC in 2016-17. This will also be Mehta’s first time under Antonio Lopez Habas.
“I like the football philosophy and the unyielding attitude of Habas Sir. The team has great unity. The team fights until the last minute. I am so proud to be able to sign for the best team in the country,” an elated Ashutosh said after signing the deal.
“I have an idea about the popularity of Kolkata football. I also know about the excitement, passion and love of ATK Mohun Bagan’s football fans for the club. ATK Mohun Bagan is a star-studded team. The challenge for me now is to secure a place in the first 11,” he further added.
Mehta, who made his India debut earlier this year, first entered in ISL with current champions Mumbai City FC in 2015. Since then, he has been a known face in the competition with already 222 appearances under his name along with 11 goals.
“He is a complete player. He has a great physical capacity, good airplay and remarkable technical-tactical conditions. At the same time, he can play in different positions in defensive lines of 3-4-5. We have a lot of expectations from him for the next season,” Habas said.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Bengaluru FC announced the signing of Brazilian defender Alan Costa from Avai FC that deemed to fulfill the void left in the defense after the departure of Juanan.
Costa made his professional debut in 2010 and has represented seven clubs in his career so far. The defender has signed a two-year deal with the Blues that will keep him in the club till 2023.
“I’m really happy to have signed for Bengaluru FC and I have good expectations about Indian football. I didn’t know too much about the Indian Super League, but I have friends who have played here, who have only great things to say,” said Costa after signing.
“The new project at BFC is one that excites me, and I am eager to repay the trust of those who showed the faith to bring me here. I am aware that the club hasn’t had a great run of late, but I want to show my experience and make sure that this season is different,” Costa added.
Bengaluru FC head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli was thrilled to have Costa on board. He said, “I’m happy to welcome Alan to Bengaluru FC. I think he is a very important player on the pitch and has a commanding personality off it. He is a natural leader and has captained teams that he has been part of in the past.”
The Blues will be back in action next month as they take on Eagles FC of Maldives at AFC Cup playoff clash.
