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Atletico Madrid boss unveils Atletico Kolkata

Thursday, 8 May 2014


KOLKATA, May 7 (AFP): The owner of Spanish giants Atletico Madrid predicted exciting times for football in cricket-mad India Wednesday as he revealed one of the teams lining up in a controversial new league would be called Atletico Kolkata.
The Spanish club, who are in the final of this year's Champions League and top of La Liga, are co-owners of the Kolkata franchise in the newly-created Indian Super League (ISL) that kicks off in September.
"This is an exciting time to be in India," owner Miguel Marin told reporters as the franchise's name was announced at a press conference.
"We are very excited at the prospect of creating connection with one of the largest demographics for football globally," Marin added.
"Our joint ownership of the club is testimony to our commitment to the Kolkata franchise. Through this franchise, the club will work to improve the game in India."
Atletico are the only prominent international club linked to the ISL, which will see eight city-based teams compete against each from mid-September until the end of November.
Organised by the All India Football Federation, the league is being backed by India's Reliance Industries, which is controlled by the country's richest man Mukesh Ambani, and by sports management giant IMG.
Players' lists have not been revealed but among those who have been mentioned are ageing stars like former France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, Argentina's retired marksman Hernan Crespo and ex-Manchester United forward Dwight Yorke.