ISL 2021-22: ATK Mohun Bagan ropes in Finland footballer Joni Kauko
Joni Kauko plays as a midfielder and featured for Finland in the ongoing UEFA Euro. Having scored 38 goals in 331 club games, he would don the green-marron jersey for ATK Mohun Bagan during the 2021-22 Indian Super League.
FollowIndian football giant ATK Mohun Bagan has made a top signing in the form of Finnish midfielder Joni Kauko. He featured for Finland in the 2020 UEFA Euro, where the side managed to finish third in Group B but to fail to make it to the pre-quarters as one of the best third-placed sides.
The 30-year-old Kauko has had an excellent long football career, having scored 38 goals in 331 matches. Before joining ATKMB, he played for seven different clubs while he last played for Esbjerg. As far as his titles are concerned, he has won four, including the Veikkausliiga and the Finnish League Cup. He has also featured in 28 games for Finland.
"Joni Kauko, who played for Finland in the current Euro Cup, will be seen playing in Green Maroon jersey in the next season. ATK MB made an agreement with him on Thursday. Many star footballers have played in the Indian Super League, but it is rare for a footballer to sign a contract with an Indian club within three days of playing in the Euro Cup," said ATKMB in a release.
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Following his signing, Kauko said, "Hello Mariners, greetings from Finland. I'm really excited to join historical club ATK Mohun Bagan. I'm looking forward to learn about the fascinating culture of India. So, see you soon, Mariners. Take care."
Kauko is the sixth signing for the club after roping in four more top players like Liston Colaco, Ashutosh Mehta, Bidyananda Singh, Amrinder Singh and Phalguni Singh. Meanwhile, the club also decided to let go of Javier Hernandez, Jayesh Rane, Komal Thatal and Regin Michael.
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