New Delhi: Anwar Ali didn’t waste a single moment to lap up the adulation bestowed on him when he was formally presented as an East Bengal player on Tuesday.
He mouthed all the right words the is music to the red-and-gold faithfuls, having agreed on a five-year permanent deal from Delhi FC after wrongfully unilaterally terminating his contract with Mohun Bagan.
He awaits a punishment from the All India Football Federation for not following rules while breaching the four-year loan contract with Bagan.
But till July 22, when the quantum of his punishment is expected to be announced, he can bask on signing a bumper deal that would get him around Rs 20-22 crore in five years, depending on fulfillment of clauses in his contract with Delhi FC pocketing a transfer fee of over Rs 2 crore.
But before the verdict, Anwar said he wants to help EB win against Bagan in a Durand Cup clash on August 18.
“I am honoured and excited to wear the Red & Gold jersey. The reception that I got at the Kolkata Airport was overwhelming and the fans have already shown me a lot of love and support,” the India international said.
“I want to dedicate the best years of my career to this iconic club and its passionate fans. Everytime I take the field, I want to make our fans proud and happy. Joy East Bengal!”
The defender was part of the Bagan side that won the Durand Cup and the Indian Super League Shield last season, having come to the limelight in 2017 when he represented India in the U-17 FIFA World Cup.
“In Anwar we have got another national team player who will give us much-needed experience at the top level and the quality and physicality in the squad that we are trying to build for the next few years,” Carles Cuadrat, East Bengal’s coach, said.
“It’s essential for players to believe in what you are doing as a coach, before joining a new project. I am happy to see how some young players in Indian football have realised this season that East Bengal is the club where they can take the next step in their careers.”
Anwar Ali joined East Bengal on a 5-year-deal, after ending his contract with Mohun Bagan, the manner of which has been deemed unjust by the AIFF Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
