ISL 2021-22: Mumbai City FC skipper Mourtada Fall extends contract for one year

Mumbai City FC captain Mourtada Fall has extended his contract with the club by one year and will stay with the Islanders till the end of the Hero Indian Super League 2022-23 season. Fall was roped in by Mumbai City FC in the 2020 season from FC Goa.

The 34-year old had played an instrumental role in taking Mumbai City FC to the Hero ISL League Winners’ Shield and the ISL Trophy in the previous season. Ahead of the ongoing season, Fall was named as Mumbai’s captain and he has done a decent job in getting the best out of the players.

Fall has played 13 matches in the ongoing season of the tournament and has scored two goals for the Islanders.

Fall began his Football career as he represented Moghreb Tétouan and played for the club in three stints.

He was part of the team which won the Botola Pro 1 in 2011-12. During his second spell with Moghreb Tétouan, Fall played under the tutelage of his former coach Sergio Lobera, who was appointed as the new coach of the Islanders.

Subsequently, the 32-year old defender went on to represent Kuwait’s Al-Arabi SC and Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca. He had a successful stint with Wydad Casablanca as he won a double with them. Wydad won the Botola Pro 1 and the CAF Champions League and Fall had played a key role in the success of his team.

Before the 2018-19 season, Fall made a switch to India, where he joined hands with FC Goa to play under the umbrella of his former Sergio Lobera. Fall is regarded as one of the best defenders in ISL and he also won the 2019 Super Cup and the 2019/20 ISL League Shield with FC Goa.

Mourtada Fall said as per the official website of ISL: “I am delighted to have extended my stay with the Mumbai City family. It’s been a wonderful journey with the club so far. We enjoyed a successful season last year, and we are hopeful of making this season a memorable one as well. Moreover, to lead a club like Mumbai City is a real honor for me. The coach, support staff, and players have shown great faith in me. I am really grateful for their support and I want to continue to give my best to this wonderful team. I look forward to making more great memories with the Club and hopefully, we will be able to share them with our fans in the stands soon.”

Head Coach, Des Buckingham said: “Fall is an exemplary character and is an excellent professional to work with. His leadership and experience both on and off the pitch are vital asset to us. He understands very well the responsibilities he has, not just as our captain but also as a Mumbai City player. He has shown to be one of the best defenders in the ISL over the past four seasons and I am very pleased that he has extended his stay with us.”