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Sabyasachi Bagchi: East Bengal’s Costa Rican World Cupper Johnny Acosta, Kassim Aidara will finally leave Kolkata for home. The two footballers along with trainer Carlos Nodar Perez had been stranded in the city for over two months due to the nationwide strike because of coronavirus pandemic. If everything goes according to plans than all three can board an Air India flight back home from Kolkata on June 11.

Both Johnny Acosta and Kassim Aidara have been without salaries from the club since March. East Bengal’s principal investor Quess, who parted ways with the club recently are to be blamed for such a situation. It was also the responsibility of Quess to arrange for their travel back home. But, the Bangalore based investors have done nothing for its contracted players and support staffs.

It is learnt East Bengal has arranged for their travel back home. The Kolkata based club contacted the officials at Home Ministry and Tourism department and sent all the relevant documents needed for their travel back home. Acosta will reach Washington on June 11 by Air India’s ‘Vande Bharat’ flight. He will next take a connecting flight from Washington to Costa Rica. Kassim and Nodar will also be on the same flight to Delhi with Johny. Kassim and Nodar will reach London Heathrow on the same day. While Kassim will stay back in London, Nodar will take a flight to Spain.

The Costa Rican world cupper is extremely angry with the treatment meted out towards him by Quess. Talking to this correspondent, Acosta said, “Quess showed a lot of professionalism in the first year. But that was not the case in the second year as we were treated badly. They made me stay back in the city even though I wanted to leave Kolkata with Maria. But I was told that there aren’t any tickets for Delhi. I also have a family, and the treatment I received from Quess was uncalled for.”

Acosta also did not hide his anger about not receiving his salary since March. According to Acosta, “As a professional footballer I am entitled to receive my salary. I came to India to earn money. But sadly though I will be leaving back home with some bad memories”