KOLKATA, MARCH 17: Ethopian International Fikru Teferra Lemessa has arrived in Kolkata this morning to play the ongoing 2017/18 2nd Division League for Mohammedan Sporting Club.

The 32-year-old, who reached Kolkata via Dubai from Johanesburg, was welcomed by Club General Secretary Mr. Ghazal uz Zafar, Football Secretary Mr. Sharique Ahmed and YDP Chairman Mr. Hasnain Ahmed at Dum Dum Airport.

“Kolkata is very close to my heart. The city breaths football and I always wanted to return here. I would like to thank Mohammedan Sporting Club for giving me this opportunity.” Fikru said.

The temperamental striker began his career in his home country with Ethiopian Premier League giants Saint George SC, before moving to South Africa to turn out for the powerhouse Orlando Pirates. Along with the Pirates, Fikru also played for Premier Soccer League clubs such as SuperSport United, University of Pretoria FC, Free State Stars FC and Bidvest Wits in the rainbow nation, as well as FK Mladá Boleslav in the Czech Republic, KuPS in Finland, Thanh Hoa FC in Vietnam and Sheikh Russel Krirachakra in Bangladesh.

“When Mohammedan Sporting Club came calling I didn’t have to think twice. I am really delighted to be part of this historical organisation.”

“I think Mohammedan Sporting Club wants to be the dominant team, the dominant force again. Now it’s time to work harder than I ever did before and I am willing to do it,” he added.

Fikru has captained Ethiopia at senior international level and also has ten goals for the East African country. The striker is assured of a place in ISL history as he scored the first-ever goal of the competition in the inaugural game. Fikru netted five goals in 12 appearances for ATK in the 2014 ISL, before joining Chennaiyin FC next season.

He is one of only two foreigners who won the ISL with two different teams.