Joseba Beitia: I think I am going to play in India next season

The 29-year-old midfielder expressed his will to play for Mohun Bagan again sometime in the future.

The last edition of the I-League was a historic one for Mohun Bagan and one of the stalwarts of their triumph last season has to be Joseba Beitia. The Spaniard was the orchestrator in the heart of the midfield and provided the league-defining assist to Baba Diawara, which won them the match and the title against Aizawl FC at Kalyani.

Over the course of the season, the midfielder developed a strong relationship with the club and supporters. However, he may not continue with the Mariners, as they are merging with ATK and will play in the Indian Super League next campaign onward.

"I have not been contacted by them for the next season. But, I have no complaints about it. Just like it was a fantastic season for me, ATK also did well and became champions. Football and life is like that. I am not sad because I did my job," Joseba Beitia said in an interview with The Times of India.

"I am in talks for next season, but I have not decided anything yet. I think I am going to play in India next season. I will miss Mohun Bagan supporters a lot and it will be emotional for me if and when I have to play against Mohun Bagan. But, that is part of a professional player's life. I hope to play at Mohun Bagan again in the future."

After a long stay in Kolkata, Joseba Beitia along with other foreigners felt it as their home. However, now they have travelled back to their native country Spain. Yet, the 29-year-old feels that in a week or two he will be missing the City of Joy. "I have just come back home after a long time. I feel happy to be here. But, I am sure that after 2-3 weeks, I will be missing Kolkata. It is a very nice city," he went on to add.

He along with other Spanish players, coaches and their families were stuck in Kolkata due to the unprecedented lockdown. However, they reached Spain earlier this month after a long journey. It was a tiring 30-hour long bus trip to New Delhi from where they boarded a flight to Amsterdam and the following day they reached Madrid. Further, Joseba Beitia had to travel to his home in Mutriku by car from the Spanish capital.

"It was a hard journey. But, the good thing is that we were like 20 of us together and had a nice time. On the pitch, the East Bengal players are our rivals, but we are friends outside the ground."

The Spaniard also informed that things in Spain are a lot better now and people are allowed to go out for a jog and do exercises.