Football

Finland international Joni Kauko eager to represent ATK Mohun Bagan at the AFC Cup

 

Last season’s Indian Super League runners up ATK Mohun Bagan have started preparing for the AFC Cup. They are clubbed with Maziya Sports and Recreation, Bashundhara Kings in Group D and the winner of the AFC Playoffs where Bengaluru FC will face Club Eagles will fill in the last slot.

The Mariners have already welcomed some of their foreigners as the likes of Roy Krishna, Hugo Boumous and Joni Kauko have been training with the Indian players.

Prior to the tournament, the Finland international spoke to the media and answered their questions. Kauko revealed how he decided to join ISL outfit ATK Mohun Bagan, he said, “I had many options but I wanted something different at this moment in my career. In the end, joining ATK Mohun Bagan was an easy decision and also a road that I wanted to try.”

The combative midfielder who represented Finland at the Euros 2020 was quizzed how he will adapt to the hot and humid conditions and the different gameplay in India. Kauko confidently replied,” “I think I am able to adapt very well to different styles and leagues. Hence, I hope it won’t take that long.”

He revealed how he had a lot of trouble adjusting to hot conditions in the first week but now things have taken an easier turn for him in the second week. “After the first training I was very much worried because it was too much for a northern guy who is used to snow and cold,” the Finnish international admitted. “But now, in the second week, I feel much better. It will take some time to adapt but day by day it’s getting better.”

The 31-year-old midfielder has plied his trade in different leagues in Finland, Germany and Denmark. Therefore when asked about Indian football he said, “I have never been to India before, and that’s one reason why I’m here now. I had no idea where I’m going but I’m really happy to see that everyone is taking me well here.”

Kauko has featured in several positions in midfield therefore he was asked about his favourable role in the middle of the park. The Finnish midfielder however said that he will be a very potent threat in attack and will be looking to score goals from midfield.

“Depends which system we are playing but I hope I will have a big impact on attacking wise as a box-to-box midfielder. It’s pretty rare to have a midfielder who can score a lot of goals and I hope I will be able to do that here also like I have done the past three years in Denmark,” he concluded.

 

 

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Aakash Chopra opens up on Mitchell Starc’s T20I retirement, says pacer could have played next World Cup

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has expressed his surprise that Australian gun fast bowler… Read More

September 3, 2025

Irfan Pathan reveals Rohit Sharma’s future ODI plans amid retirement rumours

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has revealed Rohit Sharma wants to keep playing at the… Read More

September 3, 2025

Aakash Chopra reveals why Mohammed Shami isn’t being considered for selection across formats

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Mohammed Shami isn't being considered for selection across… Read More

September 3, 2025

Aakash Chopra reveals why Shashank Singh wasn’t picked as a finisher for 2025 Asia Cup

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Shashank Singh wasn't picked as a finisher for… Read More

September 3, 2025

Irfan Pathan reveals why Harshit Rana is considered ahead of Harshal Patel in India’s T20I team

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has revealed that Harshit Rana is ahead of Harshal Patel… Read More

September 3, 2025

Aakash Chopra opens up on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI future, says both have realistic chances till 2027 World Cup

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has shed light on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s… Read More

September 3, 2025