Lucian Goian Mumbai City FC Kerala Blasters FC ISL season 3 2016ISL

Indian Super League 2017: Mumbai City FC hand Lucian Goian a two-year extension

Mumbai City FC have confirmed on Wednesday that Lucian Goian will turn up for their side in the next two seasons of the Indian Super League (ISL), having played a stellar role for the Mumbaikars last season.

Mumbai City's 2017 ISL Draft Details

The 34-year-old, who clocked a little over 500 minutes with Perth Glory in the A-League following the 2016 edition of the ISL, will join Amrinder Singh and Sehnaj Singh among those retained by the Ranbir Kapoor co-owned outfit besides the players signed in the domestic player draft last weekend.

Article continues below
Goian had a previous association with current Mumbai City head coach Alexandre Guimaraes when at Tianjin Teda in the Chinese Super League and the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Champions League before which he majorly represented teams in the Romanian League including Dinamo Bucuresti where he also featured in the Champions League once other than six appearances in the Europa League. Lucian Goian Mumbai City FC Kerala Blasters FC ISL season 3 2016ISL

On extending his association with Mumbai City, the former Romania U-21 international said, “It’s great to be back in Mumbai. I have a great working relationship with Coach Alex, and my experience in the ISL was top notch. Everyone at the club - owners, management and fans treated me extraordinarily well. It’s a longer season this time so I'm sure my family would also love to be back, especially Luca, my son, who had a great time last year. Looking forward to another great season and hopefully this time bringing back the trophy for the fans.”

ISL Player retention rules explained

“I didn't have to think twice about asking Lucian to return. He was a leader on and off the field, and was an integral part of our campaign last season,” Guimaraes reacted to the signing.

Team co-owner Ranbir Kapoor added: “Thrilled to have our wall back! Lucian was excellent for us last season. It's a longer season with new challenges and responsibilities, and I have complete faith that Lucian will be able to lead our defense.”

Advertisement