Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Mumbai City FC on Tuesday announced the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Roberto Volpato Netto and Romanian defender Lucian Goian for the third edition of the football tournament later this year.
These overseas stars are said to be strategic additions to further strengthen the team. Their experience will provide a rock-solid base for Mumbai City in the upcoming season.
Netto, was part of the team that finished runners-up in the CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana in 2013.
Netto has amassed a lot of on-field playtime, garnering valuable experience in top Brazilian and Portuguese leagues, including having played for pedigreed clubs such as Vasco da Gama. At 6' 4", the commanding goalkeeper makes for a formidable figure at the goal post.
Goian, the former Under-21 centre back for his home country has spent the majority of his career playing in the top division of the Romanian League and emerged a two-time Romanian Cup Winner, including the most recent one in 2015-16.
Goian recently played under new coach Alexandre Guimaraes at the Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda. He has played for top clubs such as Dinamo Bucuresti in the UEFA Champions League, and comes in with a lot of experience at the best level.
"Lucian and Roberto form an integral and solid part of our team. They have both played at the highest levels and provide great awareness and experience in the centre-back and goalkeeping departments respectively," Alexandre Guimaraes, the club's head coach said.
"I know Lucian very well from having coached him in China, and I can't wait for Roberto and him to join the rest of the squad and defend the fortress," Guimaraes added.
--IANS
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