Odisha FC were one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market and roped in several talented domestic and foreign players to their squad ahead of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21. The Bhubaneswar-based club have secured the signatures of Marcelo Pereira, Diego Mauricio and Manuel Onwu in attack, Cole Alexander in midfield, and Steven Taylor and Jacob Tratt at the back.

The acquisition of Taylor and Tratt is certain to strengthen Odisha’s backline which conceded more than 30 times last season. Tratt, in particular, offers plenty of versatility at the back thanks to his ability to slot into the centre-back as well as right-back positions. After landing in Goa for Hero ISL 2020-21, the Australian sat down for an interview with Odisha FC’s media team and spoke about how excited he is to be a part of the league.

“Playing in the Indian Super League excites me. Its quality has grown over the years which is evident by the big names it has attracted to the league. I also love that football in India has a huge fan base and I look forward to making the fans proud,” Tratt said.

“After speaking to Stuart Baxter and learning of their vision for the future, I was excited to sign with this promising club and be a part of the upcoming season. I am looking forward to the 2020-21 season in the ISL. I aim to work hard and give my best every day and I know with that mentality; it will give me and the club the best chance of success,” he added.

The 26-year-old can’t wait to work with Odisha’s head coach Stuart Baxter and is looking forward to growing as a footballer under his tutelage. “I am very much looking forward to working with Stuart and everyone else at the club. Already I have felt very welcomed by all staff and players. The coaching staff have a lot of experience and I am excited to grow and learn under their expertise,” Tratt shared.

He also hopes to help the several youngsters in Odisha’s squad further their development by sharing his experience and ‘love for the game’. “Developing local youth is great for Indian football. The more exposure these young players get the better the future of football will be for India. I think back to my youth and some of the older players that I have worked with in the past and looked up to and how they were able to improve me as a player on and off the pitch,” Tratt said.

“I think the most important thing that I can pass on is my love for the game and the professionalism in which I approach it. I am looking forward to making many good memories with everybody at the club,” the Australian added.