ISL 2019-20 | Lucian Goian to play for Chennaiyin FC in season 6

08/13/2019

Chennaiyin FC have signed Lucian Goian from Mumbai City FC ahead of the sixth edition of the Indian Super League which will begin later this year. The Romanian defender represented the Islanders in three seasons of the league and will bolster the defence of the Tamil Nadu-based side.

After playing a crucial role in taking Mumbai City FC into the top four last season, Lucian Goian is all set to represent Chennaiyin FC in the sixth season. The Chennai-based club has made an official announcement regarding the signing of the Romanian centre-back. He had joined the Mumbai team in 2016 and managed to guide the team into the semi-finals in the same edition.

“It feels great to sign with Chennaiyin. The coach (John Gregory) played a huge role in me coming here (to CFC). When he asked me if I wish to return to India to win the ISL trophy, I simply said yes. I believe Chennaiyin along with John (Gregory) are a club that knows how to win trophies, and I can’t wait to get started and give my absolute 100% on the pitch. I am confident we will do everything to make the squad a team and bring the ISL title back to Chennai. The Chennaiyin fans are among the best, always backing the team unconditionally and creating a fantastic atmosphere. They deserve all the success, and I am excited to meet them and play for them,” Goian was quoted as saying by Chennaiyin FC.

Goian, who is considered as one of the top defenders of the league, has played 50 matches for the Islanders in the league. The defender also led the team in the fourth edition in 2017-18 and has a total of 246 tackles, 93 interceptions, 379 clearances and 63 blocks.

“In Lucian (Goian), we are signing a leader who has rich experience in Indian football. His commitment and aggression on the pitch has been quite evident from his time in Mumbai. Our goal at Chennaiyin is clear: to win a third ISL title, and we believe Lucian (Goian) can contribute significantly towards that objective. I have had some really positive conversations with him, and I am excited to see him hit the ground running with the entire squad in pre-season as we start afresh,” Chennaiyin coach John Gregory explained.

“We would like to express our gratitude to Lucian, who was a rock at the heart of our defence the last 3 years. He leaves as the most capped player in the history of the Club & both him and Luca will forever be fan favorites. Here’s wishing Lucian all the best for the future,” Mumbai City FC’s official twitter handle read.