There's a long way to go: Mumbai City FC midfielder Brandon Fernandes
The midfielder shared his thoughts on returning to his former club and discussed his targets for the ongoing season.
Brandon Fernandes shared his delight at returning to his former Indian Super League (ISL) club Mumbai City FC. The midfielder left FC Goa to join Mumbai City FC during the summer transfer window.
The 30-year-old joined the defending ISL Cup winners on a three-year contract after spending seven eventful years with FC Goa. The Indian international has 117 ISL appearances over the years in which he scored 11 goals, 25 assists, and averaged 33 passes per game, maintaining an 80% passing accuracy.
Moreover, Fernandes has created the highest number of 241 chances for the Gaurs, surpassing Hugo Boumous and Ahmed Jahouh in this regard. He also holds the record for the second-highest appearances by any player for FC Goa.
Fernandes shared his pleasure in rejoining the Islanders, from where his ISL journey kicked off.
“Great to be back with Mumbai City FC, a very professional club, and yeah, I’m happy to be here,” he said in an interview with theprint.in.
“It didn’t take me too much time. I knew how Mumbai City FC play, and they’re a very organized club. So, yeah, it didn’t take much time. Everyone here at the club is very helpful, especially the coaching staff, and it was very easy for me to get through the system,” Fernandes revealed while speaking about his recent move from FC Goa this summer.
While quizzed about his time with Mumbai City FC, Fernandes acknowledged,
“It has been great, to be honest. It’s been nice to be here in Mumbai City FC and to be part of this club.”
“The club is very professional, and everything is great here. I’m sure that there will be many, many moments in the future to be cherished,” he continued.
The attacking midfielder, who is known for orchestrating offensive moves and controlling the game, is yet to bring out his best since joining his new club. In his six appearances this season, the midfielder created four chances and completed 71 successful passes but has yet to register a goal contribution for Petr Kratky’s side.
Reflecting on his special moment since returning to Mumbai City FC, Fernandes recalled, “The memorable one was coming back to the club and playing against Mohun Bagan SG in the first match of the ISL. It was a good moment.”
“There’s a long way to go. I’m sure there will be good moments in the future,” he further added.
Fernandes has cherished a couple of successful years with FC Goa, as he clinched the ISL League Shield, Durand Cup, and the Super Cup during this time with the Guars. However, the midfielder's main aim now is to win with the Islanders and is optimistic about enjoying another successful season this year.
“I have won the Super Cup, the Shield, and obviously the Durand Cup. One trophy that I have not won is the ISL Cup, and hopefully, I can win it,” he revealed.
While discussing his season goals, Fernandes revealed,
“Well, right now, the short-term goal would be to have a good Indian Super League (ISL) season, to add more numbers from last season, to score goals and provide assists, and to win trophies this season.”
“Long-term, I don’t think too much; I just take it season by season. So, my main target will be to have a very successful ISL season,” he concluded.