FC Goa signs goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte

FC Goa has signed Mizoram goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte from Bengaluru FC for the upcoming season of Indian Super League (ISL).

The 25-year-old joined Bengaluru FC in the summer of 2014 and helped the club to win I-league title in his debut season.

Reflecting on Ralte's inclusion in the club, FC Goa head coach Sergio Lobera said that the goalkeeper's playing style exactly matches with that of the club and that he has got all the required skills to fit in the team.

"After Naveen left we did a market research in order to find the best possible option to improve last season's numbers. Despite the fact that he hasn't played much during the last few seasons, we know of Ralte's abilities and strengths," Lobera said.

"He is a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet. He has a great personality too and the skills we need for a goalkeeper to fit our style," he added.

Ralte started his senior career with Shillong Lajong in 2011 and debuted against Churchill Brothers the same year. He contributed to Shillong Lajong's success, taking them to the semi-finals of the Federation Cup in 2011.

Expressing his happiness over being picked up by FC Goa, Ralte said that he is looking forward to playing in the club and learn from its coach Sergio Lobera.

"I am honoured to have signed for FC Goa and am really looking forward to playing and learning from coach Sergio Lobera. The team performed very well last year in the Indian Super League and Super Cup and I hope I can help the team achieve its target of winning the league," Ralte said.

The Mizo goalkeeper is highly rated Indian football and is known to be great with his feet. His distribution skill and ability to react quickly to save shots makes him a prized prospect.

On a related note, Ralte is FC Goa's third signing after Lenny Rodrigues and Jackichand Singh.