According to an official, the Spanish football league La Liga has struck a deal with the West Bengal government to establish a talent development academy in the state.
According to him, the MoU was signed in Madrid during a closed-door meeting between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and La Liga president Javier Tebas.
Banerjee, who is on a 12-day visit to Spain, visited Tebas in Madrid on Thursday evening for a closed-door discussion aimed at improving ties by connecting sports and cultural institutions.
"This remarkable MoU intends to promote football to foster sportsmanship, health, and prosperity. La Liga will develop a football training academy in West Bengal," the official said.
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Coaches and players from the state will be trained by La Liga coaches, according to the deal.
They would also share their experience and expertise to help West Bengal football clubs become self-sustaining, according to the official.
Banerjee was accompanied by former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and senior executives from Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting Club, all of which are based in Kolkata.
Banerjee invited Tebas to West Bengal and asked him to attend a friendly match.
"Be our guest, feel the football mania in Bengal. The kind of football frenzy you witness in Bengal is unparalleled," she told the La Liga president.
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In reply, he said, "I do not doubt that Bengal is the talent factory of football, and has produced some of India's finest players."
The cricket legend, Sourav Ganguly, stated that the academy will be a significant move in fostering talent in the state.
(With PTI inputs)
