The Spanish club Atlético de Madrid, which has joined hands with five Indian investors including former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly and industrialist Sanjiv Goenka for Indian Super League, has named the new team as Atlético de Madrid Kolkata.

Sourav Ganguly on Monday said the other partners respect the enthusiasm shown by the top class European football team.

“We may or may not go their way. Every thing is at an early stage. The franchise of the five equity partners has just won the bid for the city. We are yet to learn the rules of the game from the IMG-Reliance.” He said in the next few months the name, branding, marketing and infrastructural issues would be sorted out.

“We are delighted that we have been able to partner with Atletico De Madrid,” said Harsh Neotia, realtor and another partner at a press conference here.

He said the premier football club has strong pool of talent and expertise in sports management. Neotia said the franchise, which won the bid on Sunday, would seek support of the State Government. Goenka said the confidentiality clause stops them from declaring the investment figure and the ownership pattern. “We are joined by an emotion of improving the game of football, which is dear to the city. For the next three years, we will give our best shot,” he added.

Utshav Parekh, another partner, said the deal with Atlético de Madrid was signed in Dubai recently. This the Spanish clubs first international venture.

Atlético de Madrid in a statement on its Website said that through this franchise, the club would work to enhance the level of football in India, and help design a series of growth models relating to sports, commercial opportunities, marketing, and communication.

Club Atlético de Madrid will utilise its athletic and management expertise in promoting sports and developing Atlético de Madrid Kolkata.

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