Indian Super League Kolkata franchise, Atletico de Kolkata today unveiled UEFA Champions League winner Spaniard Luis Garcia as their marquee player in the first such announcement of the much-anticipated tournament here today.
36-year-old attacking midfielder Garcia earned 20 caps for Spain between 2005 and 2008 and was part of the 2006 World Cup team. He was instrumental in Liverpool's UEFA Champions League triumph in 2004-05.
Garcia had scored winning goals in the quarterfinal and semifinal against Juventus and Chelsea respectively in that Champions League triumph and made headlines for scoring a controversial goal in the fourth minute, dubbed a 'ghost goal' by then Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.
"I'm really looking forward to the venture. I hope to bring a bagful of experience and skills to India," Garcia, a product of the Barcelona youth system, said in a video message.
Garcia played for Atletico Madrid for around three years in two stints and announced retirement early this year.
The ISL Kolkata franchise also formally announced Antoniao Lopez Habas as their marquee manager and his two assistants -- Miguel Angel and popular former Mohun Bagan forward Jose Ramirez Barreto.
The ceremonial launch of the team by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee at Nabanna, the state secretariat, also saw the team's five co-owners unveil its team jersey and logo, which sported the unmistakable red-white stripes of its Spanish partners Atletico Madrid with a 'flying' royal Bengal tiger and five stars.
