ISL 2017: Former EPL star keeper Jussi Jääskeläinen joins ATK
The two time ISL champions ATK announced three more recruits for the upcoming fourth season of Indian Super League. Of the players signed today, Jussi Jääskeläinen has played for sides like Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United, Wigan Athletic and made 56 appearances for his national side Finland. The Indian footballers signed today were central midfielder Darren Caldeira, who had trained for a year with the Valencia CF under-18 team and later joined I-League clubs like Bengaluru FC and Chennai City FC. ATK also welcomed left back Nallappan Mohanraj into the side who had been a part of ATK in 2015 season.
“I welcome the boys into the ATK family. We believe that this year our team is comprised of really dynamic Indian and foreign recruits and I am happy with three more exciting talented players who are all set to exhibit their skills. We look forward to an exciting season ahead. Mohanraj had been a part of the ATK family and we welcome him back," said Mr. Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman RP- Sanjiv Goenka Group and the Principal Owner of ATK
“Indian football has certainly become an exciting prospect due to the onset of ISL. It gives us a platform to interact with a whole new world of football fans who are equally erudite about the game. I have heard about the fans in Kolkata from team management and hoping to be a part of ATK’s winning legacy,” stated Jussi Jääskeläinen
Nallappan Mohanraj, who was with Chennaiyin FC last season, was happy getting back to the City of Joy, quipping, “Great to be back in this exciting side after some gap. I hope to relive the fond memories of the fans and frenzy in Kolkata. I am looking forward to working with Teddy and Ashley for a good season,”
Darren Caldeira, meanwhile, was looking to get back to working with Technical Director Ashley Westwood, the man who brought him to Bengaluru FC. "My association with Ashley had been an enriching one during my stint at Bengaluru FC and I hope to continue the learning curve once I don the jersey of this champion side ATK," stated Caldeira.