Joseba Beitia: Fans made possible to become best player at Mohun Bagan

The 29-year-old spoke after winning the Footballer of the Year award at the historic club for his performances in the title-winning season.

Last season was nothing short of a dream for Mohun Bagan. They dominated the I-League and won it with four matches to spare. One of the main architects of their dream season was none other than Joseba Beitia.

His consistent performances in the Green and Maroon shirt earned him the award of the 'Footballer of the Year' at the 131-year-old club as well. Under normal circumstances, the award ceremony would have been held at the Mohun Bagan Ground like every year on 29th July. But, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the club decided not to organize the programme.

The 29-year-old was elated with the fact that he was selected as the best player, but he feels it was the collective effort of the team that made their success possible. "I am very happy to be selected as the best player of the season where we won the I-League. We had many good players and without the team, the coach and the fans it wouldn't have been possible for me," said Joseba Beitia in an exclusive chat with Khel Now.

The newly-merged entity of ATK and Mohun Bagan unveiled the jersey colours and logo and most of Mohun Bagan's identity has been retained. The Spanish midfielder feels that it is important for the fans and he is happy for them.

"I am very happy for the supporters. The colours and the logo are very important for them and I know the fans will be very happy and so am I."

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Beitia had a sensational season with the Mariners where he was the creative nucleus of Kibu Vicuna's team. He created nine goals and scored thrice in Mohun Bagan's I-League triumph. However, the former Real Sociedad 'B" man is taking his time to decide where he will end up next season.

"I know a few things about my future but at this point, I cannot reveal anything. I think there is a possibility of coming back to India again, but nothing is confirmed yet," Beitia went on to add.

There is a lot of hue and cry in the Indian football fraternity to reduce the foreign quota in ISL to 3+1 as per AFC standards. When quizzed whether the rule will boost Indian football or not, Joseba Beitia shared his perspective as a foreign player.

"I feel the foreigners help the Indians players to improve, but I don't like to say anything on this matter, it is a decision of the board. If you ask me then it is not good, it becomes more difficult for us to play in the ISL. But, if they think that it will improve the Indian players I cannot say anything about it."

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Lastly, he once again lauded the Mohun Bagan supporters for their constant backing and also admitted that they played a big role in his performances in 2019-20.

"What can I say about the fans? I can only thank them. Without them, my football wouldn't be the same. They were the best fans I have seen in my life and I will always wish them the best for their future."