Jofre: Excited to be in India.Atlético de Kolkata’s month-long training sojourn in Spain has turned out to be a double blessing for the squad. The team has been able to take advantage of the world-class facilities at Atlético de Madrid’s Los Ángeles de San Rafael training centre just outside Madrid, and the players have gotten a chance to gel with each other ahead of taking to the pitch for the upcoming Hero Indian Super League (ISL). Jofre Mateu González, Kolkata’s new defensive midfielder, is one among the several players who has benefited from the practice sessions."Atlético de Kolkata comes with the intention of winning the competition"Jofre Mateu GonzálezJofre, as the midfielder is commonly known, emphasised the value of the training stint in Spain, especially in helping the squad come together as a team. Speaking to the Atlético de Madrid website, Jofre said, “We have to become a group to help the team achieve its goals. Because of this, it’s perfect to be concentrated in Los Ángeles de San Rafael and during the month we’re staying here, we’ll get to know each other better and thoroughly prepare for the championship.”The Spanish midfielder is a product of the famed La Masia academy of Spanish giants Barcelona. He has played for six other clubs in Spain, and is now looking forward to journeying outside his home country.“I’ve played in several teams but I’d never left the country. It appealed to me, this option appeared, and I’m excited!” enthused the Spaniard, adding that playing in India would be an “interesting challenge”.The midfielder is thrilled to be playing a role in helping Indian football develop, and is aware of the challenging nature of the task ahead of him. “Going to a league which is brand new, and being a part of one of the teams aspiring to win the title, is a nice challenge. And having to promote football in India is another added responsibility. We have to contribute and it’s something that I like,” he explained.Jofre mentioned the importance of Atlético de Kolkata’s ‘Spanish connection’, starting with the affiliation with Atlético de Madrid, who are part-owners of the ISL club. At the squad level, the Spanish contingent includes team manager Antonio López Habas and marquee player Luis García, as well as four other Spanish players apart from Jofre himself. “It helps, not having to go alone,” said the experienced midfielder.The ultimate ambition, of course, is to make history by becoming the first champions of the ISL. “Atlético de Kolkata comes with the intention of winning the competition. And we are going to go for it!” Jofre promised the fans.All quotes taken from Jofre's interview on the official Atlético de Madrid website.
