The Indian winger has penned a two-year deal with the Bhubaneswar-based club with an option to extend for a third.
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Odisha FC have reached an agreement with 24-year-old Isaac Vanmalsawma. The winger’s addition ahead of the eighth season of the Indian Super League (ISL), promises to be a game-changer. The Indian footballer has signed a two-year deal with the Bhubaneswar-based club with an option to extend for a third. The winger from Mizoram started his professional career with I-League side Shillong Lajong FC, after representing India U-19 in 2013.
Vanmalsawma then started his journey in the ISL with FC Pune City in 2017. This was followed by stints at clubs Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur. Not only this, the promising footballer further made his senior India debut against Bhutan under coach Stephen Constantine.
“I am delighted to join this young and exciting team. We will play vibrant and entertaining football, delighting our loyal fans who have been with us every step of the way. I want to assure them that, neither I nor the team will ever give up and will keep fighting till the final whistle. I would like to thank the Odisha FC management for this opportunity, and I shall work hard to repay the faith that they have shown in me,” said the winger after the conclusion of the deal.
Club President Raj Athwal expressed his delight after the addition of Vanmalsawma, terming the player as a quality addition to the squad.
“We are delighted to welcome Isaac to the Odisha family. Another quality addition to the squad and a highly respected player who I am sure will make a huge impact next season,” he said.
Vanmalsawma’s signing has further been accompanied by the addition by Ashutosh Mehta, considered one of the best defenders in the country into the ATK Mohun Bagan setup. Mehta is one of the most reliable side-backs in the Indian team. This will definitely boost the strength of Antonio Habas’ team’s defence for the upcoming season.
Mehta is extremely effective in a 3-5-2 formation, which was visible in the ISL last season. He was one of the top performers in the ISL last season, with appearances in the national team as well.
“I like the football philosophy and the unyielding attitude of Habas Sir. The team has great unity. The team fights until the last minute. I am so proud to be able to sign for the best team in the country. I have an idea about the popularity of Kolkata football. I also know about the excitement, passion and love of ATK Mohun Bagan’s football fans for the club. ATK Mohun Bagan is a star-studded team. The challenge for me now is to secure a place in the first 11,” said Mehta in an interaction with the club’s media team.
Manager Antonio Lopez Habas termed the footballer as a “complete player with great physical capacity”.
“He is a complete player. He has great physical capacity, good airplay and remarkable technical-tactical conditions. At the same time, he can play in different positions in defensive lines of 3-4-5. We have a lot of expectations from him for the next season,” his message read.
