Ex-West Ham goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen signs for Atletico Kolkata

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Kolkata, Sep 2: Finnish International and former West Ham United goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has joined two times Indian Super League champions Atletico Kolkata for the 2017-18 season.

The 42-year-old is a popular name in English football and is regarded as one of the legends of English side Bolton Wanderers.

He has played in 474 matches for Bolton Wanderers during his sting from 1997-2012 as well as in clubs like West Ham United, Wigan Athletic. He also has made 56 appearances for his national side Finland.

Jaaskelainen has one League one cup with the Latics in 2015-16 and was released by them earlier this summer after two seasons at the DW Stadium.

The goalkeeper expressed his pleasure on playing in India and suggested that he came here because India is growing up as an exciting prospect.

"Indian football has certainly become an exciting prospect due to the onset of ISL," said the former Finland international.

"It gives us a platform to interact with a whole new world of football fans who are equally erudite about the game.

"I have heard about the fans in Kolkata from team management and I am hoping to be a part of ATK's winning legacy."

The Kolkata outfit has also acquired the services of two more Indian players on the transfer deadline day as they signed left back Nallappan Mohanraj who had been a member of ATK in 2015 season and former Bengaluru FC central midfielder Darren Caldeira.

Speaking of the transfer, Co-Owner Sanjiv Goenka expressed his delight and said they are ready for the upcoming season.

"I welcome the boys into the ATK family. We believe that this year our team is comprised of really dynamic Indian and foreign recruits and I am happy with three more exciting talented players who are all set to exhibit their skills. We look forward to an exciting season ahead," principal owner Sanjiv Goenka said.