ISL 2020-21: Mumbai City signs defender Mourtada Fall on two-year contract

Mumbai City FC have announced the signing of Senegalese defender Mourtada Fall on a two year contract ahead of the seventh edition of the Hero Indian Super League on Sunday.

Fall began his Football career as he represented Moghreb Tétouan and played for the club in three stints.

He was part of the team which won the Botola Pro 1 in 2011-12. During his second spell with Moghreb Tétouan, Fall played under the tutelage of his former coach Sergio Lobera, who was appointed as the new coach of the Islanders.

Subsequently, the 32-year old defender went on to represent Kuwait’s Al-Arabi SC and Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca. He had a successful stint with Wydad Casablanca as he won a double with them. Wydad won the Botola Pro 1 and the CAF Champions League and Fall had played a key role in the success of his team.

Before the 2018-19 season, Fall made a switch to India, where he joined hands with FC Goa to play under the umbrella of his former Sergio Lobera. Fall is regarded as one of the best defenders in ISL and he also won the 2019 Super Cup and the 2019/20 ISL League Shield with FC Goa.

Fall has impressed with his skills and he found the net on nine occasions and also provided three assists during the last two seasons with FC Goa in 43 appearances.

Fall stated that he didn’t need to think twice when the opportunity came his way to play under the guidance of former coach Sergio Lobera.

Mourtada Fall said, “I have had the fortune of playing under coach Sergio Lobera twice before. When the opportunity of joining him again came by and at a club like Mumbai City, I did not have to think twice. He knows me very well both, as a player and as a person, and I am ready to give my best for him, for this huge club and for the passionate fans of Mumbai City. We have a fantastic group here and some very talented youngsters. I hope I can share some of my experiences, grow together with my teammates and help the team achieve our goals.”

Head coach Sergio Lobera said, “It is a huge statement from our club to have signed Mourtada. He’s a player I know quite well. Mourtada is a thorough professional on and off the pitch and even with all his experience, he always wants to learn more and become better. A player of his calibre is hard to find and we’re very happy that he’s chosen to join us here at Mumbai City.”

ISL 2020-21 will begin from November 21.