Mumbai City FC doesn't seem complete when it comes to bolstering their squad ahead of the second edition of the Indian Super League. The attacking front seems to be their favourite area.
The forward line, which boasts of names like Haiti international Sony Norde, India talisman Sunil Chhetri and France great Nicolas Anelka, gets stronger with the retention of Brazilian forward Andre Moritz, specially remembered for scoring the first hat-trick in the history of the ISL.
The 28-year-old former Crystal Palace and Bolton player achieved the feat in a 'Maharashtra Derby' last year against FC Pune City at the DY Patil Stadium. The hosts hammered their rivals via the 5-0 win.
On returning to Mumbai City FC, Moritz told PTI: "I'm overjoyed and thrilled to be back. The fans supported us till the very end last season and this year we want to give them enough occasions to cheer about. The team has a lot to prove this season and I am excited that I'm a part of Mumbai City FC again to ensure that it happens."
Moritz will be looking to repeat history once again as the Mumbai-side go head-to-head against Pune City in their opening encounter this year on 5 October.
His fitness, however, could be a concern once again as the Mumbai-based ISL franchisee lost the player in the later stages of the tournament, and the then-manager Peter Reid had stated that the player's absence was one of the reasons the side couldn't make it to the semis last year.
Moritz, however, made his mark as he notched up three goals and a couple of assists from seven appearances last year.
Prior to the ISL last year, the Brazilian footballer of Italian and German descent played for South Korean outfit Pohang Steelers and performed well for the side as they finished 4th in the K-League regular season and qualified for the Championship round which is to be played later this year.
Social media also reacted to the news:
Football News India wrote - "Anelka - Sunil Chhetri - Sony Norde - Andre Moritz! Now, that's some forward line for @MumbaiCityFC"
Wise words were also spoken by one of the fans, as he posted -
The AIFF announced earlier this month that they have reached an agreement with the ISL to allow Indian players to leave for the national camp.
Stephen Constantine's side have been slated to play in three 2018 World Cup pre-qualifiers during the ISL campaign.
