Helder Postiga revealed as Atletico de Kolkata’s Marquee Signing

Indian Super League defending champions Atlético de Kolkata have announced the signing of former Portuguese international Helder Postiga as their marquee signing for the second season of the ISL.

The 32-year old Portuguese striker has 71 caps for his country, scoring 27 goals in the process. Postiga was part of the Portugal squads which finished runners-up at Euro 2004 and fourth place at the FIFA World Cup 2006. He is best known for his late equaliser against England in the Quarter-Final at Euro 2004, a match which Portugal later won on penalties.

After their victorious inaugral campaign in the ISL, Atlético de Kolkata are looking to strengthen their squad and hope to defend their title. They have already purchased the Player of the Season from the first season, Iain Hume from the team they beat in the final, Kerala Blasters.

Spanish international Luis Garcia was their marquee signing for the first season, but after his departure, Atlético de Kolkata needed a big name to make their intentions clear and they seem to have found a good buy in Postiga. Coach Antonio López Habas will hope that the two new signings will combine well up front.

Postiga last played for Spanish club Deportivo de la Coruna. During his career, He has represented clubs, but his most notable spells were with his childhood club, Porto, for whom he played in 2 separate spells. Postiga won the Portuguese League title twice with Porto.

Postiga also had a small and disappointing spell at Tottenham Hotspur in England in the 2003-04 season. He has played a lot in the Spanish La Liga, with many clubs like Valencia, Real Zaragoza and Deportivo.