Mohammed Rafique doesn’t need any introduction. However, for the benefit of those who are following the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) for the first time, Rafique is the player who scored in Atlético de Kolkata’s 1-0 win against Kerala Blasters FC in the final last year. Be that as it may, to the surprise of many, ATK didn’t retain the midfielder for the second season of the league. However, the defending champions, who are beset by quite a few injuries, have decided to recall Rafique midway through the ongoing season as a replacement for Lalchawnkima who has been diagnosed with dengue. The 23-year-old spoke to indiansuperleague.com on Friday ahead of this team’s tie against NorthEast United FC at the Salt Lake Stadium and expressed his joy at having been recalled. Here are the excerpts from the exclusive interview.How does it feel to be back with ATK?It feels good. We were champions last year and this year I felt bad that I couldn’t be in the team from the beginning but now I’m here. So, I feel great about it.Your goal in the last year’s final is still etched in the minds of all ATK fans. What are your thoughts on that?Last year we received a lot of support from fans in and out of Kolkata. I hope we get the same support this time around too, so that we perform well."Last year we received a lot of support from fans in and out of Kolkata."Mohammed RafiqueWhat about the match against NorthEast United FC on Saturday?Inshallah, we will win. We have a good team. It has unity and good players. Every team goes through a bad phase but hopefully we will go through to the semis. We would definitely try and win against NorthEast as it’s our home match.Has there been any change in the atmosphere of the team from last season?No changes as such. New players have come in but they have all adjusted well. That adjustment took some time but now we they have gelled. In fact, we played well in the last match and scored four past Mumbai.Is there any player in ATK with whom you look forward to playing or you have the best understanding with?Many new players have come in but my understanding with Borja [Fernandez] is the best. I always look forward to playing with him.Would you like to say something to the fans?I would want all my fans to watch the ISL, especially the matches of ATK and help and support the growth of Indian football.
