ISL: ATK rope in former Mumbai striker Everton Santos

ATK on Tuesday announced the signing of Brazilian striker Éverton Santos who played for Mumbai City FC in the 2018-19 Indian Super League (ISL) season.

Santos started his career playing in the youth groups of São Jose EC and used to play for Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain.

In 2011, the 31-year-old moved to the South Korean K League Classic side Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and has since then played for clubs like FC Seoul and Ulsan Hyundai.

In 2017, Santos signed up with ISL franchise Mumbai and was currently playing for Brazilian club Botafogo SP.

The striker was the top scorer for Mumbai City last season with eight goals across both ISL and the Super Cup. He will be seen in an ATK jersey for the fifth edition of the ISL.

He becomes the final foreign player to be signed by ATK this season. Santos is also the second Brazilian to be signed by the club after Gerson, who incidentally also played for Mumbai.

"We have built a strong attacking team and Santos further strengthens our attack. He is not only a valuable centre-forward but he is equally brilliant as a winger on both flanks. His versatility adds more depth to this team," head coach Steve Coppell said in a statement.

"I enjoy playing in the ISL and this is all the more special because I am joining a team that has been crowned champions twice. I hope to contribute significantly and bring the Cup home," Santos added.

ATK, who endured a wretched campaign last term, start their campaign on the opening day at home against Kerala Blasters on September 29 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

--IANS

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