Mumbai FC are to usher in the New Year by signing up Japanese-born Indian national player, Arata Izumi, for the 2015-16 I-League season.
The energetic midfielder signed on the dotted line today and is all set to spend the season on loan from ISL club, Atletico de Kolkata, said a media release.
Having gained Indian citizenship in 2012, Arata became eligible to represent the country in international competitions and made his debut with the Indian team, under coach Wim Koevermans, during an international friendly against Palestine in January, 2013.
Arata has served Singapore clubs, Albirex Niigata Singapore FC, with whom he started his career in 2005 and Mitsubishi Mizushima (2006).
He joins Mumbai FC after brief spells with East Bengal, Mahindra United, now disbanded and has spent most of his time playing for Pune FC in the I-League.
Arata has reunited with his former teammates Steven Dias and NP Pradeep who played together for Mahindra United in 2007-09.
Mumbai FC head coach Khalid Jamil said, “Arata will bring a lot of creativity to the Mumbai FC attack. He has the ability to unlock any defense and he also has a very good eye for goals. Arata will fit into my game plans very well and is a player who can play both as a midfielder and as a forward.”
Mumbai FC would open their league campaign against Shillong Lajong on January 9.
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