Luis García: aiming for ISL triumph.Atlético de Kolkata’s month-long training sojourn in Spain was the first opportunity for marquee player Luis García to link up with his new teammates. The Spanish winger, who can also play in a central attacking position, has amassed more than 500 club appearances in a career spent at some of the biggest clubs in Europe such as Liverpool, Barcelona, and Atlético de Madrid, and will clearly bring a wealth of experience to his Hero Indian Super League (ISL) side.García is expecting the ISL to have a huge impact on football in India, which is why he had no qualms about coming to play in the subcontinent. He recalled deciding to play in Mexico after fourteen seasons in Europe, and is expecting to have a similar experience in India.“I haven’t been scared to take challenges before,” García proudly said. “I never thought about going to Mexico when I was younger, but I was there for two-and-a-half years. And I enjoyed my football a lot, as well as the passion that is there. I think the same can happen in India.”His faith that the new league will be a hit in India was reinforced by the ISL’s pull in attracting other international stars to join as marquee players. García revealed that he did a Google search on the ISL when he first heard about the league. “I saw that Robert Pirès, Freddie Ljungberg, Marco Materazzi, and many big names were going to join,” he relates, adding that this also contributed to him “saying yes to this ‘adventure’”.The Spaniard is also confident that the fans in India will come out in full force and help the country’s footballing passion shine through. “Of course, cricket is the most important sport there, but I’ve heard that the people are passionate supporters for football,” enthused García. He went on to add, “We are going to enjoy this kind of support. I think that it’s going to be a huge league.”With regards to his team, and his role in the squad, García appreciates the impact he can have on his teammates as a veteran player for Atlético de Kolkata. “I’ve been with many important players around the world, and I learned from them. My role right now is to try to teach what I learned from them to the new players who want to improve, who want to learn more about football,” explains the diminutive Spaniard.García has been impressed by what he’s seen from the rest of the squad, saying that there are “players with the quality and mentality to play in a big team in Europe.” The Liverpool fan favourite is certain that the ISL will be a great platform for these players. “No one is looking to that side of the world for football players. Now, this league is going to explode. There are going to be many players who will have the chance to play in Europe,” García asserted.Along with fulfilling his responsibilities as a footballer, García is excited to get a taste of Indian culture during his time in the country. “I’m going to enjoy a different culture – and Indian food! – and meet new people,” the winger said. But, even while discussing how he plans on enjoying his time in India, García’s chosen sport is never far from his mind. “I was talking to some friends and they would love to go to India on holiday. I have the chance to go there and do what I love doing most – playing football.”García is relishing the challenge of playing in one of the most football-mad cities in India. “We know Kolkata as a city has a lot of football supporters,” the footballer acknowledged. “So that is a lot of pressure. And of course, we want to do well. We want to play in the final.”He signed off by pointing out the chance he and his team have to add to Kolkata’s footballing history, and make some of their own. “It’s the first time in the history of India, this league, so imagine if you win! It will be with you for the rest of your life.” Indeed, Atlético de Kolkata’s marquee player is all set to go for ISL glory. All quotes taken from BBC Sport's interview with Luis García and other Atlético de Kolkata players and officials.
