Helder Postiga – Retained by Athetico de Kolkata as Marquee
Internet Desk: In their quest for the title in the third season, the title winner of the inaugural season of the Indian Super League and the semi-finalist of the second edition, Atlético de Kolkata announced today that the marquee player for the forthcoming season would be the iconic Portuguese striker Hélder Postiga.
A Portuguese international footballer since 2003, Postiga represented his country in two World Cups and three European Championships, helping the nation reach the final at Euro 2004. Postiga made a resounding entry as the youngest marquee player in his first ISL and although it was cut short due to a grave injury, he created a lasting impact in the mind of his Indian fans in the opening game of the season, scoring twice in a 3–2 win versus Chennaiyin FC.
The team management also announced the retention of two key players in the team ranks, Borja Fernández and Javi Lara, today, who played stellar roles in taking ATK to greater heights on the field. The team management also announced the signing of left back Keegan Pereira on loan from Bengaluru FC and left winger Abinash Ruidas on loan from East Bengal.
Postiga recently played in Primeira Liga for the top flight team Rio Ave F.C in Portugal and made 11 appearances scoring 5 goals helping his side qualify for the Europa League. Postiga’s career was shaped up at FC Porto’s youth teams when he joined the squad in 1998 and continued to progress ever since.
Postiga has also played in Spanish club Deportivo de La Coruña as a striker. Having significant experience in the European football circuit, Postiga besides representing his National Team Portugal, also played for clubs like Porto, Valencia, Lazio, Sporting Lisbon and Premier League Club Tottenham Hotspur beside others. He will be strengthening the new look Atlético De Kolkata side and will be seen charging towards the opponent’s goal as a striker.
Head coach of Atletico De Kolkata, Jose Molina marked Postiga as a very good signing and said, “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.”
He later added, “Along with Postiga the presence of Borja and Javi will add fervour to the midfield. Borja had been the mainstay for the team’s midfield and orchestrated many moves which yielded positive results in the last two seasons. I am enthusiastic with two more Indian players like Keegan and Abinash who will be donning our colours and eagerly looking forward to the pre-season now in Spain.”