ISL 2022-23: Mumbai City FC sign Rostyn Griffiths; Odisha FC rope in Lalthuammawia Ralte

Mumbai City FC has acquired the services of Rostyn Griffiths ahead of the ninth season of the Hero Indian Super League, the club announced on their social media handles on Sunday. Griffiths had played under the tutelage of Des Buckingham in the 2020 and 2021 seasons while playing for Melbourne City when the current Islanders coach was the assistant coach at the Australian club.

The veteran won the A-League Premiers and Championship double in the 2020/21 season with Melbourne City. Furthermore, the English-born played for the club in their debut season of the AFC Champions League. Griffiths also won successive Premiers with the Melbourne-based club.

The 34-year-old is delighted to join hands with 2020-21 ISL champions and he would look to hit the ground running at the club.

“I’ve heard lots of good things about the Indian Super League, it is one of the fastest-growing leagues in the world and it has a great quality in terms of the game. Personally, this is a new challenge in my life and I’m ready for it. The club’s vision and ambition is a huge factor in helping my decision to come here along with what Des Buckingham intends to build here at Mumbai City. I’ve known him for a long time – we’ve won trophies together in Australia, and now I hope we can achieve success in India as well,” said Griffiths after signing for the Islanders.

Meanwhile, Griffiths started his professional career with Premier League team Blackburn Rovers before moving to Australia. He then made his A-league debut with Adelaide United. Subsequently, he also played for teams like North Queensland Fury and Central Coast Mariners. The defender also won the Premiers with Central Coast Mariners in the 2011-12 season.

“I’ve worked closely with Rostyn in the past, so I know him quite well. He is a top player and is someone who will bring a lot of experience and character into our team. We’ve enjoyed success in our time at Melbourne City and he fits perfectly within our able and talented squad. We have a very young core here and I believe Rostyn can be a great mentor to our youngsters as well. I believe he can make a big impact at Mumbai City,” stated Des Buckingham on his adding the new recruit to the team.

Rostyn comes in with an experience of 323 matches in his club career and he has scored 23 goals thus far.

On the other hand, Odisha FC has signed the services of goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte on a two-year contract, the club made the announcement through their social media handles, on Sunday.