ATK Mohun Bagan star Kiyan Nassiri has signed a two-year contract extension, which will keep him at the club till the end of the 2023-24 season. The 21-year old stormed onto the scene with a spectacular second-half hat-trick in the Kolkata Derby in the Hero ISL 2021-22, helping his team secure three points after they were trailing by a goal.

One of the most promising young players this season, Kiyan became an overnight sensation after the heroic feat and continued his form till the end of their campaign. However, the striker is not content with the instant success, rather he is weaving bigger dreams to achieve.

“Even though I have scored goals in the Hero ISL, I am yet to strike in an international match. If I get an opportunity to play in front of a packed Salt Lake Stadium, I would aim to score a goal and help my team win,” said Kiyan Nassiri after signing over the dotted line.

Son of Jamshid Nassiri, a footballer who rocked the Indian football circuit in the late 1980s, Kiyan was expected to follow his father’s footsteps and so far he has hit the correct notes. ATK Mohun Bagan will be featuring in the AFC Cup preliminary round 2, on April 12, at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Head coach Juan Ferrando has already begun preparations for the continental event, in Kolkata, with special stress on physical conditioning. With only three players permitted in the playing XI for AFC competitions, a tweak in Ferrando’s tactics is on the cards. Automatically, the responsibility of Indian players will increase two fold, especially for footballers in crucial positions.

ATK Mohun Bagan boasts of having the duo of Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco up-front, Kiyan, being the primary back-up, will also play a key role in the upcoming fixtures. The youngster has already moved on from his herculean effort in the Kolkata Derby and is looking ahead, eager to improve on his skills and give his best for the Green and Maroon brigade in the upcoming season.

“ATK Mohun Bagan is one of the biggest clubs in India. Their head coach wants me to wear the prestigious jersey for the next season as well, which is an achievement in itself. I need to improve myself further. I am waiting for the day when I get an opportunity to play for ATK Mohun Bagan at the Salt Lake Stadium,” stated Nassiri.

“The hat-trick in the last Kolkata Derby is now past. Now, I am looking forward to performing well in the next season. I need to help my team win matches. The head coach and the senior players encourage me constantly to step-up my level, which is an icing on the cake.”

Related tags:

2021-2022Kiyan Nassiri Giri