ISL: Mumbai City retain defender Goian

Mumbai City FC have retained central defender Lucian Goian for the next two seasons of the Indian Super League, the club announced on Wednesday.

Goian was considered one the top three defenders due to his wealth of experience and strong performance during the last season of the ISL.

Goian will join Amrinder Singh and Sehnaj Singh who were also retained by Mumbai City FC for the upcoming season.

In addition, the team has picked some of India's finest domestic football talent at the recently concluded ISL player draft.

Goian represented the Romania U-21 team and has spent the most of his career playing in the top division of the Romanian League and is a two-time Romanian Cup winner.

The 34-year-old has represented Romania's top club Dinamo Bucuresti in the UEFA Champions League. He has also played under current Mumbai City FC head coach Alexandre Guimaraes at Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda.

Lucian joined A-League side Perth Glory FC after the conclusion of ISL 2016.

"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 said in a statement.

Goian asserted that he is looking forward to a successful stint with Mumbai City FC and is happy to continue his association with Guimaraes.

"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," Goian said.

"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," he added.

--IANS

ajb/vt