OFFICIAL: Manchester United Academy Graduate Tom Thorpe Joins Indian Super League Club
Reuters / Andrew Couldridge
Tom Thorpe has signed for Indian Super League club Atletico de Kolkata.
The 24-year-old central defender is seeking to resurrect a career that has stalled a bit since he left Manchester United, whose academy he graduated from. Thorpe was very highly rated by those who watched the Old Trafford outfit’s under-21’s in action, and was tipped for a very bright future in the game.
He was a crucial factor to the United reserves, and captained them to the title in the first ever U-21 league season. However, it just didn’t work out for him at the Theatre of Dreams, as he struggled to break into the first team, despite the rave reviews about his ability.
As a result, he left the club in order to continue his development, but has been relatively unheard of since his move away from United. He has had stints at Birmingham City and Bolton Wanderers – who were his last club before the move to India.
Thorpe has represented his country at all levels from U-18 to U-21, but much like his career with the Red Devils, he has failed to break into the senior squad. The move to the ISL represents a desire to get his career back on track, and with former United men Teddy Sheringham and Ashley Westwood calling the shots around the club, it could represent the best chance the youngster will get to prove himself once more.
Join us in welcoming Tom Thorpe to the team. #ATK #AamarBukeyATK pic.twitter.com/sMOPNV75MB
— Atlético de Kolkata (@atletidekolkata) September 11, 2017
ATK principal owner Sanjiv Goenka spoke about the new signing by stating: “We welcome Tom to our ATK family. We all are happy to have him in the team. He is an asset which will strengthen our team’s defence.”
Tom Thorpe added: “I will learn a lot under Teddy’s leadership, and will play to win. But I am sure my stint in ATK will have a remarkable impression on my career path. Above all I would like to thank the management for choosing me to be a part of this squad.”
Manchester United fan, Wayne Rooney is his role model. Passionate writer who has written for several sites in the past. He’s also an aspiring pianist and creates background music for BlameFootball’s Youtube channel.
