East Bengal roped in Nigerian striker Ranti Martins on a two-year contract on Wednesday. Martins, who is the most successful striker in the history of National Football League and I-League with five golden boots (highest scorer) to his credit, responded to the call of his original coach, Armando Colaco.
Martins tasted most of his success in the eight years (between 2004 to 2012) he spent with Colaco at Dempo SC in Goa.
East Bengal sought to relive this special chemistry between the two while getting the striker join his coach, who has been at helm of the Kolkata side since the previous season.
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The player acknowledged the influence of Colaco as one of the main reason that made him decide turn out in East Bengal colours.
Martins, who was the top scorer of the I-League in 2012-2013 season for United Sports Club, failed to make much of a mark in the just concluded season (2013-14) as United SC fell into financial distress and had to release him to Rangdajied United midway.
East Bengal also announced a pay cut for its footballers saying that it will be forced to ask its players to sign on a reduced contract amount compared to previous years as the club needs to arrange Rs. 4 crore to comply with the professional club licensing criterion stipulated by All India Football Federation.
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