Mumbai City signs Cassio Gabriel on loan from Vila Nova

Mumbai City has signed Cassio Gabriel from Brazilain second division club Vila Nova on a one-year loan until the end of the 2021-22 Indian Super League season.

After signing for the Islanders, Gabriel said

“Mumbai City have a great profile back home in Brazil. There are a number of Brazilians who have played at Mumbai City and I’ve only heard positive things about the Club. 

Talking about what convinced him to sign for the club, the Brazilian midfielder talked about the club’s ambition to be the best in India and across Asia as well.

He continued,

“Mumbai City are the defending champions and their ambition is what convinced me that this is where I want to be. The Club wants to win titles, they want to be the best, not only in India but at a continental level, and I am really excited to be part of a Club of this mentality.”

Finally, the Brazilian midfielder talked about playing in a new league and the challenges posed by playing in both the domestic league and the continental competition as well.

“The ISL is one of the fastest-growing leagues in the world, and the quality of football being played here is really great. I know we have a massive season ahead of us, defending the ISL title as well as the AFC Champions League campaign. It will be a new challenge for me, but I am fully prepared for it, and I cannot wait to start this exciting journey with my new family”,

he concluded.

After starting his career with Fluminense, Gabriel went on to play for more than a dozen Brazilian clubs in the first division and the second division of the Brazilian football pyramid. The attacking midfielder had an 18-month stint with Croatian top-flight club Hadjuk Split in the first half of his professional career but failed to make a single appearance for the senior team.

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Mumbai City head coach Sergio Lobera was full of praise for the club’s latest acquisition and the unique skill set added by the Brazilian midfielder in the squad.

He said,

“Cássio comes from an excellent football pedigree and brings a lot of valuable experience along with his skill set on the pitch. I believe he can be a vital member of the Mumbai City family and certainly contribute positively to the team’s performance. We are pleased to have a great talent like Cássio on our side.”