'ATK and Mohun Bagan will be torchbearers in Indian football': Sourav Ganguly

The six-years-old ISL team's merger with the 130-years-old I-League team is monumental as said by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly. He tweeted to congratulate both the teams. He said: "A momentous partnership for Bengal football. I have no doubt ATK and Mohun Bagan will be torchbearers of moving Indian football forward together.
@IndSuperLeague"- @SGanguly99

ATK is owned by the Sanjiv Goenka's RPSG group, whereas Mohun Bagan football team is looked after by Mohun Bagan Football Club (India) Private Limited.

In the deal struck by the two teams, ATK will hold 80 per cent of the team's shares whereas Mohun Bagan will have just 20 per cent.

Swapan Sadhan Bose, Chairman, Mohun Bagan Football Club (India) PvtLtdsaid in an official statement that "In this context, I am very thankful to India's one of the most well-known industrialists and our Kolkata's very own Dr Sanjiv Goenka for his investment through RPSG. Their vision on Indian football aligns with our philosophy and our combined forces will surely take the club to bigger and greater heights. In this respect, it is a red-letter day in the history of this iconic institution".

The new deal comes into existence from June 1. They will take part in the ISL (2020-21) and other important AIFF competitions as one team.

The logo and jersey of the team are yet to be decided, Mohun Bagan officials have said that the essence of both the clubs would be preserved.

ATK coach Antonio Lopez Habas is likely to be the head coach of the team. Few players of both the teams will be retained and they will look for new players tocompetein the next ISL season.

Fans of both teams have expressed disappointmentover the new merger.

But Swapan Sadhan Bose assured fans that the legacy will continue,"I can assure millions and millions of Bagan supporters spread across the globe, that the poetry will continue. Now that the prose is ready to lend a helping hand".