Following the end of visa complicacy, Bangladesh football team skipper Mamunul Islam left here for Kolkata yesterday to join Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Atletico de Kolkata.
Mamunul, who completed the signing of a three-month loan deal with the newly-established Kolkata outfit in the first week of September, is the only footballer from Bangladesh to play in the inaugural season of the ISL scheduled to kick off on October 12.
The 25-year old talismanic midfielder was originally slated to unite with his new club after the conclusion of the men’s football competition in the Incheon Asian Games where Bangladesh’s campaign ended in the group stages. The team returned home the following day but it took Mamunul a further seven days to join the club due to visa complications.
This is the first time a Bangladesh captain will play in a foreign league and it will no doubt be a milestone for the left-footed midfielder as he will feature in the same league alongside legendary players like Robert Pires, Fredrik Ljungberg, Nicolas Anelka, Andre Santos, Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet.
More importantly, he will share the same dressing room with former Liverpool, Barcelona and Spanish international Luis Garcia. The club will be coached by former Bolivia coach Antonio Lopez Habas. Despite the star-studded names, Mamunul refused to call this phase of his life the best moment of his career. “Every moment is important for a professional player. I believe I may get even better opportunities in the future,” said Mamunul before leaving Dhaka.
Mamunul added he will give his best to achieve a place in the playing eleven. “Highest six foreign players in each team can play at the same time. Hopefully I will acquire my place. I will give my best in practice and on the pitch whenever I get chance.”
Former legendary Bangladeshi footballer Monem Munna gained much popularity when he played for East Bengal in the Kolkata League. When asked if he could exceed Munna’s fame and level of popularity, Mamunul replied, “Munna bhai is a legend. A player with extraordinary talent. I do not want to go to any comparison between the Kolkata League and the ISL. I will not say anything more other than the fact that I consider myself extremely lucky.”
Mamunul did not forget to express his gratitude to his main club, Bangladesh Premier Football League champions Sheikh Jamal DC and visited the club president Manjur Kader before leaving for Kolkata.
Mamunul’s loan period will conclude on December 21, a day after the ISL’s scheduled final, and Mamunul is expected to rejoin Sheikh Jamal accordingly.
Atletico de Kolkata returned to Kolkata on September 27 after spending 15 days in Spain where they trained at the La Liga champions Atletico Madrid’s playing ground Vicente Calderon Stadium.
