Bhutia hails Bagan-ATK merger, but not happy with name of merged club

Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia on Thursday hailed the merger of Mohun Bagan and ATK but said he was not happy with the merged club to be named as ATK-Mohun Bagan from next season.

Mohun Bagan will be rechristened ATK-Mohun Bagan after the iconic club merged with ATK FC on Thursday by selling the majority stake to the owner of the two-time Indian Super League winners.

The merged club will come into existence in June and will compete in the ISL 2020-21.

"Why would you want to have it's name ATK-Mohun Bagan? That does not go well. That branding has to be done properly. The deal was all about buying the identity and history. With that history, you will have millions of fans across the world. That you will have to keep in mind," Bhutia told PTI.

"ATK are just five-six years' old. It's not a very old club. I don't think ATK really have that identity. It started with Atletico de Kolkata, now it has become Amar Tomar Kolkata (ATK). I don't think it will be a big loss for them if they lose that identity."
"I hope that they use Mohun Bagan's colour, logo, and the name. They should not use ATK's colour, they should use green-and-maroon. They should use Mohun Bagan's logo and name. Because it has got a rich history and heritage. I hope they can utilise that."
"I think Mohun Bagan have got a good owner. ATK are one of the best managed teams of the ISL right now. Sanjiv Goenka is one of the most visionary, successful corporate in India. They have got a very good corporate takeover. They are the best managed club in ISL right now. I think it's a great move for Indian football."