Exclusive: Nirmal Chettri set to join ATK from FC Goa

The 28-year-old had only played eight minutes in the previous season for the Gaurs.

Nirmal Chettri is set to join ATK from FC Goa after a season-long stay with the Gaurs. The 28-year-old has chosen Goa's Indian Super League rivals over the other teams, after being on the wishlist of the likes of East Bengal as well.

The versatile defender failed to impress Sergio Lobera and was barely used throughout the campaign. The defender who was supposed to bring experience into the backline of the Gaurs was overlooked by the Spanish coach.

The Sikkm native joined Goa only in the 2017-18 season, but a lack of game-time, a grand total of eight minutes throughout the league, has seen him on the move again. ATK, who have had their fair share of defensive issues were in the market for reinforcements and they will hope that the capture of Chettri will help them overcome these next season.

Although, primarily a right-back, The 28-year-old can also play in the heart of the defense as well as a defensive midfielder, a trait which will come in handy for the Kolkata outfit in the next campaign.

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Chettri comes in with huge ISL experience, as he has previously plied his trade with NorthEast United and Kerala Blasters in the earlier editions of the league.

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ATK have signed former head coach Antonio Lopez Habas, who have been one of the admirers of Chettri's defensive work over the years. Now under the tutelage of the Spaniard, the full-back will be hoping to get his career back on track

Joining ATK also means that the defender has now played for all the four biggest clubs in Kolkata. He had previously featured for East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan SC. The defender has also played for other I-League teams such as Air India, Dempo SC and DSK Shivajians.