The Indian Super League has been a hallmark event for the football-loving Indian population. In fact, to make the sport grow even more, Futsal was also introduced this year and that was a very successful event and the likes of Ryan Giggs, Ronaldinho, Paul Scholes, etc., all made their way here.
The ISL is gradually growing into a big event as the football fans increase each day, and a lot of football stars have made their presence felt in the league while showcasing young, raw local talent as well. Another South American football star has now officially joined the ISL by choosing to play for Mumbai City F.C – and that is Diego Forlan.
He is to join the club on a 3 month deal for now.
The 37-year-old retired Uruguay international player was part of his youth club Penarol for the 2015-16 season, and helped them win Apertura title in the Uruguay first division by scoring eight goals in 31 appearances.
The former Manchester United player will definitely be an asset to Mumbai City F.C and will definitely help boost T-shirt sales as well. After all, he did win the 2010 Golden Ball for being the best player at the 2010 World Cup and is also a two-time Pichichi trophy winner.
In a statement issued regarding him joining Mumbai City F.C, Forlan spoke about how Indian football is slowly growing into a bigger sport. “They want to grow football, something that is understandable given the population,” the 37-year-old said. “Next year they want to extend it to seven months and then to a whole year. For now, though, it is three months [my contract].”
Mumbai did not fare too well in the ISL seasons so far and currently sit in sixth place in the league, a good nine points behind league leader FC Goa.
They seem to be rebuilding the team in every sense as Argentina’s Matias Defederico will also join Forlan there this season.
As far as experience goes, Forlan is perhaps the most experienced since he has played at a lot of different leagues and been equally successful. He has played for Manchester United, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan.
He did have offers from MLS and Australian team Brisbane Roar as well, but he went ahead and chose ISL instead. It is clear that Forlan does not want to retire as of yet, and he does have a lot he can still do for any club that’s lucky enough to have him.
