“I'm coming here to be a piece of an already successful club" - Jamie Maclaren after signing for Mohun Bagan

Mohun Bagan have roped in A-League's all-time top goal-scorer Jamie Maclaren on a four-year deal. The Australian striker has won the A-League Golden Boot a record five times and has also represented Australia on multiple occasions. He will be arriving in Kolkata and start training with the team from July 29.

With the signing of Jamie Maclaren, Mohun Bagan have now completed the acquisition of all six foreign players. Notably, most of the foreigners are from Australia - Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummings, Jamie Maclaren, and Tom Aldred. Only Greg Stewart and Alberto Rodriguez are Europeans but they too are highly experienced in Asian football.

After signing for Mohun Bagan, Jamie Maclaren said in a statement:

“I watched a lot of Indian football, dating back to the Iain Hume days, it was on Australian sports channels, there's been some world class players that have also played in ISL. But the reason why Mohun Bagan, is one, the incredible history but also their trophy ambitions match mine, having won a lot in Australia, I'm looking forward to adding to an already decorated group of staff and players.

"The crowds are electric, passionate and I can't wait to play in front of the Mariners supporters. On top of all that, Indian Cuisine is one of mine and my wife's favourite, so we are looking forward to eating flavoursome dishes!”

Maclaren is also aware of the famous Kolkata derby. He said regarding the same:

“The Kolkata derby is a fixture that I have watched before, and to see over 60,000 inside our stadium is incredible and like always derbies are extra special for the fans who create the goosebump atmosphere.”

He further spoke about his new teammates and how he has already played with and against them in Australia:

“I'm coming here to be a piece of an already successful squad and club. My goals are to help achieve these and continue this story of being the best football club in India. Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummings. Well I've had the luxury of playing alongside and against both.

"Dimi is a creator, a player who's very brave on the ball and chooses the the right pass for his strikers, I know he will provide a lot of assists for me but also shoulder a lot of goals for himself, Jase well he's a left footed version of myself, similar history both heritages go back to Edinburgh, we both played for Hibernian and we love being inside the penalty box like any number 9 waiting to finish off chances that come our way.

"Greg also another attacking threat has already shown in India his qualities but I know of him through my time in the SPL. We won't have a problem creating and exciting our fans I can assure you of that,” he added.

---

Jamie Maclaren's targets and message to the fans

Jamie Maclaren is expected to shine in India after his remarkable and legendary stint in Australia. In the upcoming seasons, he will definitely be a player to watch out for not only in the Indian Super League but also in the AFC competitions.

Maclaren shed light on how he plans to gel with the team and how he can impact the games:

"With five A-League Golden Boots and all time top scorer is down to the work I do during the week, and getting to know my teammates so they can read my movements, with me the goals will come when I am happy, fit and in rhythm and another big reason I came here is because the team is already striving for continued success and that just makes me excited to be apart of a winning culture.”

Sharing a message to the fans, the forward said:

“To our fans, I cannot wait to represent this badge, this city and fight every game! The first goal will be nice feeling, I know the standards that have been set on and off the pitch, I will be doing my best and hardest every day so that in the end we can be celebrating more trophies! My birthday, is the same as a special day in Mohun Bagan's history, and for that its an honour to share the 29, and I hope to see my jersey in the crowds. Lets go!”