Forlan Uruguayan ready to raise Mumbai City’s fortunes

Former Uruguayan international Diego Forlan is confident to change things for Mumbai City FC in the third edition of the Indian Super League. The former Manchester United star is aware that former Mumbai City marquee players Freddie Ljungberg and Nicloas Anelka were not able to light up the tournament due to injuries but he is up for the challenge.

Mumbai City marquee player in first season Ljungberg — former Arsenal star — featured in just four games due to pre-season injury before returning back and Anelka started well in the first season but couldn’t sustain it, goals dried for him and the demanding schedule made aging Anelka susceptible to injuries like Ljunberg.

The former Chelsea star returned next year as marquee player cum manager but couldn’t do well as player initially to settle for full time managerial role.

He also reportedly developed problems with forward Andre Moritz and assistant coach Oscar Bruzon that led to their midway exit from the league.

Mumbai City have failed to qualify for playoffs in both attempts. Forlan, 37, is also in the twilight of his career and has wished to prolong it a bit.

“I am not comparing myself to any body. I will try to do my best, score goals and everyone including me will be happy. I am used to do things.

“I am not thinking about anything. I wanted to come as quickly as I can and start playing that’s what I like and I am looking forward to do that. I would love to continue playing,” he said here on Saturday.

“We have some good Indian and foreign players. I am looking forward for a good season. We know we didn’t qualify (for semi-finals) in last seasons, so that’s the challenge to qualify and do our best. It is a short tournament involving lot of traveling so it is not easy to play all matches.

“It is important that the whole squad is fit and available,” he added.

Forlan had offers from European clubs but he chose to play in the ISL. “I had offers, but preferred coming here. I had been watching some games before (on TV), when I was living in Japan (playing J-League) and then in Uruguay.

“There are many good players and many people inside the stadium. It’s growing and they are trying to make it a good league.

“It’s not easy but they are trying their best. It is not a long tournament, and is different type of thing to attract players,” he said.

The Ranbir Kapoor co-owned club will miss the services of their last season top scorer Sunil Chhetri and goalkeeper Amrinder Singh until October 19 atleast, due to their AFC Cup semi-finals engagements with Bengaluru FC. Two other Bengaluru FC players Lalchhuanmawai Fanai and Udanta Singh are injured at the moment.

Mumbai City play their first match against Pune City FC in an away game on October 3. They had an unbeaten pre-season in Dubai where they played four matches and won two.

“We did very well, tried different style of play and got clear picture about what we have and what we can expect. I have my fingers crossed.

“Two players are injured and two are not be available. It is not a big deal right now we have players to play now and be competitive,” Mumbai City FC head coach Alexandre Guimaraes said.