Tolgay Ozbey set to join McDowell Mohun Bagan

Tolgay Ozbey has decided to don the green and maroon jersey for the coming 2 seasons. He said yesterday in a press conference held in Hungerford Street that he will be signing the contract within a few days time. He clearly said, "I am very happy with my decision to join McDowell Mohun Bagan."

McDowell Mohun Bagan President, Swapan Sadhan Bose; Finance Secretary, Debasish Dutta; and Alokesh Banerjee of USL were also present in the press conference.

Only a few hours back, Tolgay had scored 4 goals for Kingfisher East Bengal and helped his team to lift the CFL Premier Division title. Debasish Dutta praised the professionalism shown by Tolgay. He said, "At least 7 clubs were after Tolgay, but as a professional player he has given his best for his club. Nobody can say that Tolgay played bad football or did not give his best for East Bengal because of us."

Continuing on this note, Tolgay said, "Mentally, I knew I would be joining Mohun Bagan, but I did not want to make it official until today. Also I wanted to leave East Bengal on a high note."

Tolgay will be wearing the No. 10 jersey in the coming season and in a press conference that will be held in a few days time, Jose Barreto mightl be presenting him the No. 10 jersey. Regarding this, Tolgay said, "It will be extra responsibility for me, wearing the jersey which Jose Barreto used to wear."

When asked the reason for his leaving Kingfisher East Bengal, he said, "I don't want to share the reason. I will keep it as a secret strictly with me."

Tutu Bose said, "I am jubilant to have got Tolgay in our team. This recruitment can be compared with taking Chima from our arch rivals. Also in the past, we have recruited players like Krishanu Dey, Bikash Panji, Manoranjan Bhattacharya and Tarun Dey who used to be known for their unswerving loyalty for East Bengal."

Regarding Odafa, Tolgay said, "When Odafa was in Churchill, I did not see him much in action, but this season I have seen him playing. He is an amazing player and definitely a superstar in India. I am delighted to have him as my teammate."

About Morgan, he said, "Not only Morgan, but many of the East Bengal players had an idea that I might be leaving the team in the new season, though I did not tell them directly. I have made many good friends in the dressing room. I would be calling some of them personally. I have told Morgan today about my decision."

Tolgay shared another amazing fact that he has scored his 1st goal for Kingfisher East Bengal against Mohammedan Sporting and yesterday also he scored his last goal against the same opponent.

When one reporter asked, will Morgan be the coach of McDowell Mohun Bagan, Tolgay looked towards Debasish Dutta and asked, "Is it true? I don't have any idea about this."

Regarding Mariners not winning a trophy in the last 2 seasons, Tolgay said, "One player cannot change the fortune of the team, this is a team game, but I sincerely hope that my combination with Odafa Okolie with help from other players will help McDowell Mohun Bagan win trophies in the coming season."

Tutu Bose compared McDowell Mohun Bagan's trophyless run to FC Barcelona failing to win La Liga and UEFA Champions League in spite of having probably the best team in the world. He said, "Do not blame us for going trophyless. Sometimes a bit of luck is required to win trophies. Look at FC Barcelona and their players. Even they failed to win any major trophy this season."

Debasish Dutta said, "Anjan Mitra is not present in today's press conference as he is in Siliguri with the team. I would like to share the fact that he also played a big role in Tolgay's recruitment."

There might be a press conference held in the club tent on the 18th of May, though there may be a change of date, but Debasish Dutta clearly said that full squad will not be declared that day.