Syrian midfielder Amna joins East Bengal from Aizawl FC to play 'Kolkata Derby'

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Kolkata, July 26: Syrian midfielder Mahmoud Amna had an important role in the maiden I-League triumph of Aizawl FC, last season.

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The footballer's piercing passing ability along with hard-working ability has made him expensive in the Indian football market and took him to East Bengal for the upcoming season.

The midfielder, who has started training in the Kolkata club on Tuesday, revealed that one of the key reasons behind his decision to come to Kolkata was to play in Kolkata 'El Classico'.

On Wednesday (July 25) after training, Amna clarified saying, “I have played in the countries like Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Singapore, and even in Australia. But the interesting thing is that while playing in those countries I had heard about the Kolkata derby, its tremendous craze. From that time I had decided to play for any of the Kolkata giants one day. My aim was to take part in the derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. Ultimately my aim has been fulfilled this season."

Amna had high praise for his coach Khalid Jamil, who was also with Aizawl FC last season.

"His coaching style is so good that the footballers who are not even fit to participate in the matches, get charged up and start working hard. Jamil's attitude towards footballers has always been friendly.

"More importantly, he always likes to discuss with team's senior footballers. I still can remember that in Aizawl FC, he always used to ask me to sit with him before every crucial match in the I-League. This is a rare quality I have seen amongst coaches in my football career so far," Amna added further.

Due to continuous rain in Kolkata for last couple of days, the ground condition at East Bengal club is not conducive for training.

Amna, however, assured the team's supporters by saying, “I have enough experience of playing on completely wet ground. So the rain will not affect my game. The fans are being noticed nowadays during the training to continue their support."

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