The overseas signings don't seem to end for the Indian Super League outfit, Mumbai City FC, this summer. The ISL franchisee side - already boasting of names like Nicolas Anelka and Sony Norde - have roped in three more foreigners.
Haitian forward Norde is set to rub shoulders with compatriot Frantz Bertin, this time in the lucrative Indian club football league, as the defender joins Mumbai alongside French striker Frederic Piquionne and Spanish defender Cristian Bustos.
Mumbai have one of the largest contingent of foreign players at their disposal ahead of ISL 2.0 in the form of defenders Pavel Cmovs, Darren O'Dea, midfielder Juan Aguilera Nunez, as well as forwards Norde, Andre Moritz and Anelka.
The addition of the trio takes the tally of foreigners to a whopping nine players and it is unknown whether Mumbai are finished with their shopping.
Bertin (32) is a former Racing Santander player and the central defender joins the ISL side from Greek club Aiginiakos FC. He has also been a Juventus youth player.
He has mentioned that one of the main reasons that made him take the decision to come play football in India is to work under French player-manager Anelka.
"After consulting with family and close friends within various leagues, I felt that joining the ISL would be the best decision to help me progress in my career, both on and off field. I am very excited to get a chance to work with Nicolas Anelka as well," the Haiti international said.
Former Portsmouth, West Ham and Lyon striker Piquionne on the other hand is a more experienced customer. The Frenchman has been a part of numerous French clubs over his career, which also includes Monaco. Mumbai will be more than delighted to acquire his signature.
"I am excited for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. I have heard of the excitement coming from the Indian Super League and of Mumbai City FC in particular and look forward to bringing success to the team," the 36-year-old said. He had represented Martinique at the international level, in the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup and was part of the 2012 Caribbean Cup squad. He also represented France in a friendly match against Australia in 2007.
Defensive midfielder Bustos becomes the second Spaniard to join the Mumbai ranks this summer, along with Nunez. The 32-year-old is regarded as a tough-tackling no-nonsense midfielder who can dominate the proceedings in the heart of midfield.
"I am excited for the opportunity to play outside of Spain for the first time in my career. I feel that I will be a dominant force in the middle of the field for Mumbai City FC. I look forward to the challenges that come my way throughout the upcoming season," Bustos, who joins from Spanish side Mallorca, stated.
Mumbai City begin their campaign in the ISL 2015 against FC Pune on 5 October.
