ATK's Hume feels for Kerala fans, Postiga says team friendship key to ISL win

Atletico de Kolkata (ATK)'s Canadian striker Iain Hume, who was part of the Kerala Blasters team two years ago when they faced the same fate by finishing runners up in the Indian Super League (ISL) final, said he hoped there were no losers keeping in mind the atmosphere at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here.

ATK clinched the title for the second time in three years, winning 4-3 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in normal time.

"It's bad that there is a loser especially with the atmosphere these guys had today," an emotional Hume, who missed ATK's first penalty, said after the match.

"After the heartbreak two years ago, I know it's hard for them (Kerala) to go through it again. It was two teams fighting and it was like this in the league this year where everybody fought," said Hume who finished as ATK's highest scorer with seven goals.

On the win, he said, "To come out on top is a great feeling. I know they (Kerala fans) don't feel too great but please be here next year and your team will fight for you again."

Marquee player Helder Postiga accredited the win to the camaraderie in the team and said without the team bonding it would not have been possible.

The friendship between us made this happen," a smiling Postiga said.

"It is important to have friendship among players and that is what makes a great team. The quality of players we have is also amazing," the former Portugal international added.

--IANS

dm/vd