Jose Barreto: Feeling relieved that the logo and colours of the jersey are retained

by Chittu Shetty July 11, 2020

Mohun Bagan legend Jose Barreto shares his insights on Mohun Bagan’s merger with ATK and what would it mean for Indian football.

Former Brazilian football striker Jose Barreto, who represented the Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan AC for most part of his career, is relieved that the club logo and colors have been kept same and believes that this merger will be a great combination going forward.

Here are the excerpts from the Interview:

Q: What does it mean for Mohun Bagan to come into the ISL after a long wait?

Jose Barreto: It has been a long story. Since 2014-15, all the supporters of Mohun Bagan have been dreaming to be part of it. Finally, it has become a reality. The dream has come true for the supporters. It is a great feeling as an ex-Mohun Bagan star and as a Mohun Bagan fan. I am sure all the fans share my excitement as well. It is a great step taken by the Mohun Bagan club. Two giants are coming together to help build a great team in the ISL.

Q: The jersey and logo have been retained. Your thoughts.

Jose Barreto: Feeling relieved about the logo and the colours of the shirt are there. I don’t think so the name ATK will affect it in any way. The logo and the colours are something that we fans are emotional about. We are happy with the decision of the management, the board of directors at ATK Mohun Bagan. I don’t think supporters could think of going to the stadium and see Mohun Bagan with different colours. You can’t imagine a Mohun Bagan fan putting the green and maroon shirt away and calling any other colour the club shirt. It would be difficult for them.

Q: What does it mean for Indian football?

Jose Barreto: See, Mohun Bagan has come with a huge history. All these years, they have conquered a lot. And ATK, during their time as well, has been a club that has been successful. ATK has always fought and remained within the championship race. I think it’s a great combination. It is like two spirits coming together is what I feel. It’s going to be great having ATK and Mohun Bagan together. It’s going to make a huge difference. ATK now comes in with the whole crowd of Mohun Bagan behind them. And for Mohun Bagan, they have the spirit of ATK with them, a great combination.

Q: How will this help the ISL? 

Jose Barreto: Mohun Bagan in the ISL, with ATK now, will call attention. It is a great move by ISL too, to welcome them in. I am excited but not only in India, all over the world there are lots of Mohun Bagan supporters who will be excited like me. They will be looking forward to seeing the fast game of ATK Mohun Bagan. Of course, it is going to bring a lot to the ISL. It is going to create a different energy and to have both of these clubs together, is a huge asset for ISL.

Q: How big is this for the Mohun Bagan supporters?

Jose Barreto: For them, it’s like seeing a dream getting fulfilled. Initially, the dream was for Mohun Bagan to come in as a franchise in the ISL but now, I feel it is a good combination. Maybe, for Mohun Bagan to come into the ISL by themselves, could have been something new because the expectations would be sky high. The fast style in the ISL and the pace could have taken Mohun Bagan some time to adjust. But, ATK have already been in the ISL for the last six years. Mohun Bagan joined in at the right moment with the right team. This combination has everything in itself to work out and be successful. We can go on about the change of name, which I feel is very nominal. One can say why not Mohun Bagan ATK but there are far more positives rather than looking at negatives if any. With time, supporters will get used to it.

Q: Message to the likes of David Williams and Roy Krishna on how to handle Mohun Bagan’s expectations….