Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan unveiled Australian midfielder Diogo Alexandre Andres Ferreira as their fourth foreigner for the 2017/18 I-League at the club on Wednesday morning.
Diogo Ferreira is the first Asian quota foreigner for the Green and Maroon brigade. He will join the club on 1st October as confirmed by the club secretary Anjan Mitra.
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Originally Portuguese, Diogo was born and bred in Australia. He has played for Melbourne Victories in the A-League and also plied his trade in Malaysia’s Penang FA last season.
On asked why he joined Mohun Bagan, the played replied, “I spoke to my agent and he spoke very highly about the club. I had some friends who have played in India and as soon as I asked them about the club their reply was this is the biggest club in the country.
“They are a highly successful team. Last year maybe they didn’t get exactly the results they wanted but hopefully, we can bring back some success this season.”
The player also mentioned that he shares a very close bonding with former Bengaluru FC midfielder Cameron Watson. “Cameron and I are very good friends. He also praised this club and that’s why I made up my mind to come here,” Diogo said.
The 27-year-old player was a part of the youth system of Portuguese club FC Porto. The club enjoyed a successful run of form including winning the Champions League during his youth football days.
He recollected: “I was in their youth setup. The team was very successful then. Jose Mourinho was the coach and there was Deco, Ricardo Quaresma and so many other great players.”
On why chose to take up the challenge of playing in India, he said: “I wanted to experience a different challenge, a different chapter in my life.
“I had played in the A-League now I have decided to move to India for a new challenge and let’s see where my career goes.”
The player was asked whether he had offers from any of the Indian Super League clubs, to which he gave a straightforward answer. “I got an offer from this club and I couldn’t get past this. Why would I want to join any other team when I can join the biggest team in India?”
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Predominantly a central defensive midfielder, Diogo holds the ability to play as a central defender too. He clarified on his exact position, “I like to play as a defensive midfielder or a central-back. Throughout my career, I have played in different positions. I consider myself as a team player and I will play wherever the coach wants me to.”
He also said that he is looking forward to playing the famous Kolkata Derby. “I have heard that it is a massive rivalry. All big teams around the world have rivalries. This is something I am looking forward to.”