Indian Super League champions ATK sign Robbie Keane

The former Republic of Ireland international will join forces wilth former teammate Treddy Sheringham at the Kolkata outfit...

Indian Super League giants ATK have announced the signing of former Republic of Ireland international Robbie Keane for the upcoming season. Keane agreed to a deal earlier today in Dubai and will link up with former teammate Teddy Sheringham at the club.

Keane's signature is something which proves that the Kolkata side still have the power to make big acquisitions, despite parting ways with Atletico Madrid a few months back. The former Tottenham Hotspur striker is somebody who is recognized all around the world and has been playing at a high level for LA Galaxy in the past few seasons.

Keane was delighted at signing with the reigning champions of the ISL and speaking to Sportskeeda after completing the ,ove he said, "I feel extremely fortunate to have played for some of the best clubs in England and the USA, as well as representing my country at several major tournaments,"

Also read How ATK and Jamshedpur FC may lineup this season

"At this stage of my career, the offer to experience a new league and culture in Asia appealed to me. To join the current Indian Super League champions is a great pleasure and through hardwork I hope to bring the ATK fans more success and enjoyment over the course of the 2017/2018 season." he added.

Sheringham will definitely be a happy man after getting this deal done and he'll hope that his former teammate will help his side on the attacking front as Keane will play a big part in determining how well the champions can defend their title in a few months time. The  Republic of Ireland's record goalscorer is somebody who has played at the highest level for many years and knowing his experience of playing at the top, he'll also be a great influence for the Indian players especially the likes of Jayesh Rane and Eugeneson Lyngdoh.

This humongous deal also makes sure that the team retain strong support base in Kolkata as the attraction of a big name like Keane will make many fans turn up to support the defending champions. ATK have been quite vocal about the ISL winners getting a spot in the AFC Champions League and will look to give tough competition to the legacy clubs of Kolkata in Mohun Bagan and East Bengal and topple their popularity with such signings.

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Sheringham sounded a happy man after the signature was confirmed as he said, "I am sure ATK’s striking abilities will be bolstered with Robbie in the side. I am sure the young Indian players we have selected from the domestic draft will learn from him about the way he goes about preparing for a major tournament like the ISL."