ATK appoint Alberto Marrero as sports director

Indian Super League's (ISL) defending champions Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) on Wednesday appointed a sports director and signed Cape Verdean footballer Valmiro Lopes Rocha for the upcoming tournament.

The signing of the Spaniard Alberto Marrero as sports director is said to have been made to increase professionalism within the outfit this year. ISL is scheduled to start from October.

"We are donning a more professional avatar for this season and so have appointed Alberto Marrero as our sports director, " ATK co-owner Sanjiv Goenka told reporters here.

"ATK will also have a five week training camp starting from 25th August, three weeks will be in Spain. We have also signed Valdo (Rocha) to boost our attack this season," he said.

Goenka, however, added the franchise has not zeroed in on the marquee player yet.

"We have not yet decided on the marquee player for the season, we still have time (July 31) and we will make a decision based on the draft," he said.

The ISL player auction and draft is set to be held im Mumbai on Thursday.

Marrero has earlier worked with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid as a sports coordinator.

Speaking on the event he said: "I was with Atletico Madrid for seven years, I hope I can help Atletico de Kolkata retain their ISL trophy this year."