Exclusive: TNC Chat to Arata Izumi
Atletico de Kolkata bought Japanese born Indian midfielder Arata Izumi at a price of Rs.68 lakh. His base price was Rs.40 lakh. He talks to TNC about his latest move.
1) Congrats on signing for Atletico de Kolkata, must be exciting for you to return to Kolkata?
“Yes ,I’m really excited to play for the defending champions. I’m extremely grateful that actually Atletico de Kolkata picked me. I want to win the league with Atletico de Kolkata.”
2) With a lot of European players and coaches being involved in the ISL, do you think it’s opportunity for you to improve and learn a thing or two?
“Yes, it is huge opportunity for me to learn lots on the field as well as off the field and I’m ready to take all the challenges waiting for me.”
3)What are your personal targets for the second season of the Indian Super League?
“My first aim is to help Atletico de Kolkata to win the league. I can’t wait to get started.”
4) Atletico de Kolkata will train in Spain three weeks before the Indian Super League starts, are you looking forward to it?
“Yes , I’m looking forward. I can’t wait to join the team and mix up with all the Atletico de Kolkata family.”
5) We saw the likes of Borja Fernandez and Ofentse Nato playing regularly for Atletico de Kolkata in the central midfield, it won’t be easy to break into the starting XI?
“The competition is tough in each department and it’s a proof that Ateltico de Kolata have a strong team. Yes , it will be tough for me but I have the confidence.”
6) How much are you looking forward to play under Antonio Habas?
“I spoke with him in general and got a warm welcome. I am sure we will discuss about football once the whole team is together .I’m looking forward to play under my new coach Antonio.”
7) Do you think Atletico de Kolkata have enough quality to retain the ISL trophy?
“Yes, I believe so. We have good balance in all departments and have both quality Indians and foreign players.”
8) What’s the most important aspect of your game?
“For me most important thing in the game is balance and I always try my best to keep the balance of the team in both attack and defense.”
9) Finally, what’s your message to the Atletico de Kolkata fans?
“Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m so happy to be a part of the Atletico de Kolkata family and I will give my everything for our success.”