Kolkata: Atletico de Kolkata's new recruit Izumi Arata is excited to return to play football for a city club where he had begun his career with East Bengal in 2007.
"It was quite dramatic for me to be chosen by Kolkata at the (ISL) auction. I started my career in India here and would love to play here. There are a lot of people who remember me from my time with East Bengal," Arata, who scored a splendid goal against FC Goa, in their 1-1 draw on Wednseday, told reporters.
"Atletico de Kolkata is a very balanced team. We find it easy to execute what the coach (Antonio Habas) wants. And nothing can be better than playing for the champions."
"Six foreigners make the ISL a different ball game but I have seen a drastic change in the quality of coaching and tactics employed in Indian football since I came here," Arata said.
Arata, who plays for Pune FC since 2009, further said it's a sad news that his team and another city franchise Bharat FC may not continue in the next I-League.
"As a player and as a fan of Indian football, this really is sad news. I don't know if the news is true but it was really shocking. I hope both the clubs (Pune FC and Bharat FC) continue. But then, as a professional footballer, I am willing to play for whichever club is ready to take me."
