Johnny Acosta: I came to India because of East Bengal’s legacy

Costa Rican defender Johnny Acosta admitted that he had no clue about Indian football and it was only East Bengal’s rich legacy that attracted him to the country.

The 2018 World Cupper whose presentation was forced to be called off on Wednesday — after the club had failed in not only arranging an interpreter for the Spanish speaking Acosta but also in doing away with the Google translator — was once again presented before the media at the club’s tent on Thursday.

“When I signed, I only knew that East Bengal is a big club with great history. I have no idea about ISL or any other tournament. I came here because East Bengal is a big club,” said the Costa Rican international.

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He landed in India on Monday and was present at East Bengal’s Calcutta Football League match against WB Police on August 6, which incidentally was also the first time he watched an Indian club play.

“I have not seen any Indian football matches before. The one I saw on August 6 (East Bengal’s Kolkata league match against WB Police) was my first. I don’t know anything about the leagues in India as well,” said the Paolo Maldini fan who has faced Leo Messi and Neymar in the Copa America.

The 35-year-old was part of all the World Cup group games as Costa Rica bowed out in the opening round after failing to win a single game. Los Ticos lost the opening two games against Serbia and Brazil and was held to a 2-2 draw against Switzerland.

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“It was disappointing definitely,” he said talking of their disastrous 2018 World Cup campaign after reaching the quarter-finals four years ago. “We were playing against such a top side like Brazil and we had almost managed to get a draw against them. Unfortunately, they scored and we were left heartbroken.”

His career has mostly been limited to home clubs apart from a stint in Mexico and Colombian club Rionegro Aguilas. And when asked on why he chose to come to India when most players go to the top European leagues, the 71-time international cap holder said that he wanted to explore a new country.

“I have come here from Colombia. I wanted to explore a new country. I think this will be a great opportunity for me and I won’t have any problems.”

He speaks only Spanish but doesn’t think language can be a barrier during his stint with East Bengal. “Language has never been a problem for me, said Acosta. “I will not face any problem adjusting here as football has only one language. This is football.”