FC Pune City signs Gabriel and Shankar

Gabriel, who last played for East Bengal in the I-League, enters ISL with FC Pune City after a gap of two years.

Published : Jul 09, 2018 17:04 IST , Pune

 Sampingiraj comes into the FC Pune City fold after having an impressive outing for Bengaluru FC leading to a national call for the U-23 side.
Sampingiraj comes into the FC Pune City fold after having an impressive outing for Bengaluru FC leading to a national call for the U-23 side.
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Sampingiraj comes into the FC Pune City fold after having an impressive outing for Bengaluru FC leading to a national call for the U-23 side.

Indian Super League club FC Pune City on Monday signed winger Gabriel Fernandes and defensive midfielder Shankar Sampingiraj to strengthen its squad for the 2018-19 season. Gabriel, who last played for East Bengal in the I-League, enters ISL with FC Pune City after a gap of two years.

Speaking on signing the Goan winger, FC Pune City CEO Gaurav Modwel said, “Gabriel’s speed and agility on the wings give the team good options. We know with his sharpness and direct play, he has the potential to be one of the standout players for us this season.”

Fernandes started his youth career with Dempo and Sporting Goa. In 2012, he joined Mumbai FC. The 30-year old made his ISL debut with FC Goa in 2014 and joined Mumbai City FC in the next season. Since then, the winger has played in I-League for Salgaocar, Churchill Bros and East Bengal.

READ: Bengaluru FC re signs former goalkeeper Poirei

Sampingiraj comes into the FC Pune City fold after having an impressive outing for Bengaluru FC leading to a national call for the U-23 side. The Karnataka born began his professional career with HAL and, later, signed with Pailan Arrows, followed by a stint at DSK Shivajians (on loan).

After getting the young midfielder’s signature, FC Pune City CEO Gaurav Modwel said, “Shankar is a hard-working player, who is good on the ball and is technically sound, which adds a lot of quality in the way that we want to play our football. He comes with a lot of experience and I wish he has a great season in our colours.”

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Sampingiraj made his India U-23 debut against Uzbekistan in a 2016 AFC U23 qualifier in Bangladesh. The young midfielder appeared for Kerala Blasters FC in 2015 ISL season.

After signing on the dotted line, Gabriel said, “It’s exciting times for me ahead as I join FC Pune City to play in the Indian Super League. What they achieved last season has been pretty impressive and part of my responsibility will be to help the team better what they did last year.”

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