Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Kerala Blasters FC have completed the signing of Montenegro defender Miloš Drinčić, the club announced on Monday. The center-back has committed to a one-year contract with the Blasters and is to wear the No. 15 jersey for them.

Drinčić, 24, has already amassed close to 230 appearances across the top tiers of Montenegro and Belarus. Drincic, who most recently turned out for Shakhter Soligorsk in Belarus, started his professional career in Montenegro with FK Iskra Danilovgrad in 2016. A string of consistent and dominant performances in the top division earned him a move to Sutjeska Niksic in 2021.

Milos experienced his first silverware that same year as he would go on to become a mainstay in the Sutjeska Niksic team that won the championship in 2022.

The young and towering Montenegrin, who has consistently competed in tournaments like UEFA Champions League & Europa Qualifiers, was part of Montenegro’s U17, U19, and U23 teams.

On the inclusion of Miloš Drinčić into the Blasters squad Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said:

“Milos Drincic is exactly the profile we were looking for – fighter mentality, peak age, playing in top European league, and great ambition to represent Kerala Blasters. There were no doubts we wanted him. Though it took some time, I’m glad we have Milos with us. I wish him to become an important part of Kerala Blasters going forward.”

Commentating on the occasion Miloš Drinčić said:

“I see this as a wonderful opportunity to explore a new challenge in a different league with a great Club. There was a good feeling from the first moment I started speaking with Karolis. I am really looking forward to this new chapter of my career, and I hope to make it a memorable one. I assure you I will be giving it my all both on and off the pitch.”

Asif Khan leaves Mumbai City FC after five seasons

ISL winners Mumbai City FC announced the departure of Asif Khan on Monday. The 22-year-old midfielder bid adieu to the Islanders after spending five seasons with the club.

After participating regularly in Mumbai City’s youth festivals from the age of 14, Asif Khan was scouted and brought into the Islanders’ u18s team in 2018. Asif quickly emerged as one of the top talents in the youth set up and was soon named captain of the u18s. Asif caught the eye after exceptional performances in the u18s, including scoring a 30-yard strike against Iron Born FC which led him to winning the inaugural Mumbai City FC Goal Cup in 2018.

In his very first season, Asif was called up to train with the Islanders First Team and later went on to sign his first professional contract with Mumbai City ahead of the 2019-20 season. Since then, Asif has made 20 appearances for the Reserves, scoring thrice. The attacking midfielder also took part in three matches with the senior team of the Islanders last season, making two appearances in the ISL and another in the Durand Cup.

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