Mehtab Hossain issues East Bengal ultimatum

The midfielder has said he will quit the Red and Gold if they fail to win the I-League next season…

East Bengal midfielder Mehtab Hossain has issued an ultimatum to the club urging them to win the I-League next season. The tenacious midfielder has said he will quit the club if they fail to win the top flight in the next campaign.

“I promise that this will be my last season at East Bengal if we don’t win the league,” the former India international remarked at the I-League launch event in New Delhi on Tuesday.

“This year is very important for me. For the last five years or so we have come so close but could never win it. Football is a team game, yes, but not winning the trophy also makes me sad as I am not being able to help the team after getting that close,” he further added.

The midfielder has had a fantastic season playing a key role in the East Bengal team that romped to a record seventh Calcutta Football League crown before starring for Kerala Blasters in their run to the Indian Super League Final.

“You get frustrated when you don’t win a trophy and the same is happening with me. I will not be retiring but I will not be continuing with East Bengal,” he said.

The Red and Gold are also seeking their first title in what could be the tournament’s last edition with a merger with the cash-rich ISL mooted.

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Report by Khel Now-Content Editor Mrunal Nakashe. A sports buff, he's also a foreign policy enthusiast and keen North Korea watcher. Mrunal loves gaming, reading, traveling and is a self-confessed Football Manager addict.