The Indian Super League (ISL) team Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) confirmed on Monday that they have signed star Bengaluru FC defender John Johnson for the 2018 edition of the ISL.
The confirmation came after Johnson and ATK took to Twitter separately to announce the decision.
ATK tweeted, “Welcome @John6Johnson to the #ATK family!”
Welcome @John6Johnson to the #ATK family! #AamarBukeyATK pic.twitter.com/P32Y5mITrn
— ATK (@WorldATK) June 4, 2018
The English-born defender also took to social media to voice his excitement on the new venture. “Really excited to have the opportunity to join such a big club in Indian football. Can’t wait for the season to get started. Let’s do this!” he tweeted.
Really excited to have the opportunity to join such a big club in Indian football. Can’t wait for he season to get started. Let’s do this! https://t.co/yoTZp7e2fs
— John Johnson (@John6Johnson) June 4, 2018
There were reports of the transfer in March but, an official announcement of the transfer was made by ATK only on Monday.
A news report published in March by Goal stated that Johnson “has signed a two-year deal at ATK which will see him earn 250,000 USD in the first year and 275,000 USD in his second year. He is currently on a $211,253 salary and will see out his current contract with the former I-League champions which will end in May 2018.”
Before moving to Bengaluru FC, Johnson had played for teams such as Tranmere Rovers and Northampton Town in England. The 29-year-old Englishman has been an integral part of the BFC family since the team’s inception in 2013 and his stint with the team saw many notable victories including two I-League titles and two Federation Cup titles. In his 126 appearances for BFC, Johnson has scored 5 goals for the team, apart from being a pillar in the backline.
The decision to sign Johnson came after what was a disastrous season for ATK, as they finished second-last in the points table. The two-time ISL champions also conceded 30 goals in the previous season, second only to Delhi Dynamos. The addition of Johnson in the ATK line-up is expected to boost their defence that has been leaking goals of late.