FC Goa midfielder Leo Moura, who has been a complete revelation in the Indian Super League this season, has stated that he is keen on continuing to play in India even after the end of the ISL.
The 37-year-old Brazilian has defied his age and shown what he is capable of in the three-month football tournament so far. Moura has a whopping seven assists and two goals in his 12 appearances with the ISL franchisee this season and, judging by his performance, the former Brasilian Serie A winner with Flamengo, isn't done yet.
"Right now my focus is entirely on FC Goa and ISL. I want to be a champion in this league," Moura said to the Times of India.
"If I get an invitation from any Indian club it will be a pleasure to play here but it will have to be discussed only after the conclusion of the ISL. Nothing before that," he added.
FC Goa are currently second in the league this year with 19 points from 12 games. There are two more league games remaining this season, and in all likelihood, Zico's side will progress to the playoffs if they continue their brilliant form.
Meanwhile, sources from Kolkata giants and I-League powerhouses East Bengal have spoken to the TOI saying that Moura is on their transfer shortlists. The Red and Gold brigade have Ranti Martins, Bello Rasaq, and Do Dong-Hyun already in their roster as the three foreigners, and Moura could join in as the fourth overseas player.
"If he [Moura] qualifies as a marquee, then we will go all out to bring him here," a source from East Bengal told the newspaper.
The AIFF have defined that a marquee player is someone who has played for his country in any continental tournament. Moura has only one international appearance for Brazil against Ireland in a friendly game in 2008.
The governing body of football in India also reportedly scrapped their marquee player rule for the next edition of the I-League following an executive committee meeting on Wednesday. It was also decided the prize money for the winning team from I-League 2016 will be Rs 1 crore.
