The Indian Super League club ATK Mohun Bagan has been linked with a transfer to the Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic.
The 35-year-old veteran striker’s time with AC Milan is reported to have come to an end, making him a free agent this summer.
Croatia’s public broadcaster HRT has reported that Mandzukic has already received an offer from ATK Mohun Bagan, adding that the player is “looking forward to the opportunity to play in India”.
After making a name for himself in Bayern Munich, Mandzukic continued to play for big clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Milan.
His vast experience can prove crucial for the sailors as they try to win a record fourth ISL title in the coming season.
ATK Mohun Bagan already has one of the most consistent goal scorers in the league in the form of Roy Krishna.
With the possible addition of Mandzukic in combination with Krishna’s pace, there is no doubt that ATK Mohun Bagan fans are looking for a treat.
This news comes when disagreements between ATK Mohun Bagan fans and the club’s management continue to grow even a year after the two clubs (ATK FC and Mohun Bagan) merged into one.
Mariners fans have been pretty loud on Twitter since last season and they continue to demand the club remove ‘ATK’ from their team name.
To my knowledge, this is the first season for ATK Mohun Bagan FC in ISL. Why then do you use 3 stars and “Champion 2019-20” in the training set ?? Sailors do not want trophies from a disbanded club called ATK. @RP_SanjivGoenka @bosesrinjoy @Mohun_Bagan @IMGReliance @IndSuperLeague
– Debasis Sarkar (@Debasismariner) October 28, 2020
This had led to a huge fan protest on Twitter with ‘#RemoveATK’ trending across India on June 24. A large number of fan groups also threatened to boycott the team’s games.
They demanded that the club remove the three stars which means the three ISL titles ATK FC won because they do not apply to the newly formed team. Eventually, the club removed it from their logo and kit.
The power of Marines. Organic trend by #RemoveATK. Now at the top in the sports category.
So respect the feelings. It’s an explosion of emotions. Think about it. #JoyMohunBagan pic.twitter.com/XRnYvS0h5p
– The Mariners’ (@MohunBaganFans) June 24, 2021
The club has tried to appease fans by highlighting the club’s rich history on their website, but on the other hand, they have continued to do business as usual despite widespread opposition.
