ISL 2018/19: ATK completes the signing of former English Premier League star

Andre Bikey during his time with Reading, with Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney. | Image: Twitter

XtraTime Web Desk: A defender who was known for his clinical tackles in the English Premier League against the likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, will now be playing for Indian Super League club ATK.

After Gérson Vieira, another versatile defender joins the two-time ISL champions ATK squad, André Bikey. Primarily a defender who plays as a centre-back, he is also an asset in the midfield and is known for his technical skill and towering physical presence.

He began playing with Spanish club Espanyol, before moving to Portugal with Marco in the 2002–03 season. After brief spells in European clubs, he joined Russian club Shinnik Yaroslavl in 2005.

He impressed everyone in the English Premier League side Reading on a season-long loan in August 2006, before permanently joining the club in 2007, under manager Steve Coppell. Since then he has played for sides such as Burnley, Bristol City, Middlesbrough and Greek club Panetolikos.

He first moved to India in 2015 after being recruited by NorthEast United in the ISL, and moved on to Pune City in 2016. In the 2017-18 season, Bikey was seen in Jamshedpur FC jersey.

He represented his nation Cameroon at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments: 2006, 2008, and 2010. He was also a squad member in the Cameroon national team at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

André Bikey will add a lot of strength and versatility to the squad. I have worked with him before and his experience and passion for the game makes him a very valuable player.”

 Steve Coppell, Head Coach, ATK

“I am looking forward to joining ATK and helping them achieve success in season 5 of the Indian Super League. I have much respect for head Coach Steve Coppell and that made it an easy decision for me to sign here. The passion for football in Kolkata is one of the best in India, I can’t wait to get started.”

André Bikey, Player ATK

ATK will be flying out to Spain for their pre-season camp from Kolkata on August 21 and will return to the city on September 15. ATK will be practicing at the Pinatar Arena (San Pedro del Pinatar) in the Murcia region of Spain.