ISL-1 Champions Atletico de Kolkata sign Canadian striker Iain Hume
Inaugural Indian Super League champions Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) today announced the signing of Canadian international striker Iain Hume for the second edition of the ISL.
Hume had become a fan favourite at Kerala Blasters FC, who had finished runners-up to ATK, for his fighting spirit and never say die attitude besides scoring a number of crucial goals for the franchise from South India.
Iain Hume said about his decision to leave the Blasters and join ATK, “My intentions were to come back and play for Kerala Blasters FC after the experience and success we had last season. But when they decided not to retain me for ISL 2 and the champions come asking me to join them, it was an easy decision to make.”
“After Atletico de Kolkata winning the Inaugural ISL Trophy, there's no reason why the aim isn't to win it again. And I hope I can perform to the standards I did last season, and help them achieve that,” Hume added.
Sanjiv Goenka wants to make the city of Kolkata proud
31-year-old Iain Hume was born in Edinburgh, Scotland but has played his international football for Canada. During his club career, he played for Tranmere Rovers FC, Leicester City FC, Barnsley FC, Preston North End FC, Doncaster Rovers and Fleetwood Town before he joined Kerala Blasters FC last year. After he left India, Hume rejoined his childhood club Tranmere Rovers in 2015, but now after the summer break he will return to India.
Team co-owner Sanjiv Goenka welcoming Hume to the Kolkata franchise said: “It is our endeavour to assimilate the best possible team. I am sure we will again make the city and our fans proud.”
While ATK head coach Antonio Lopez Habas said in a statement, “I look forward to work with Hume this year. His last year's performance and club commitments surely must be keeping him match ready when we embark on our quest for the title defence.”
Atletico de Kolkata open their ISL defense campaign on the opening day, October 3 at Chennaiyin FC.
