Diego Mauricio scored 12 goals in 20 appearances for the Odisha-based franchise last season, making his presence felt with fantastic performances.
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Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Odisha FC have announced the departure of Brazilian striker Diego Mauricio. The 30-year-old forward impressed everyone with his performances in his debut season in the ISL. Mauricio scored 12 goals in 20 appearances for the Odisha-based franchise, making his presence felt with fantastic performances. The 30-year-old finished just two goals short of eventual winner Igor Angulo, who further delivered a fine season for FC Goa.
“Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean we’ll miss you until we meet again! A part of the Odisha FC family forever more. Thank you @Di_Mauricio_ for the memories, the goals, and the celebrations. Until next time,” read the message from the Odisha-based franchise on social media platform Twitter.
Mauricio further shared an emotional message on Instagram, thanking the club for giving him an opportunity.
“Thanks to Odisha FC for the opportunity, for being a part of this great team on the Indian scene and for being very happy in this one year that we worked together. I want to thank the president, coaches, medical staff and players for the daily help they gave me, without you I would not have been able to give my best, to all the fans and the Indian people, just gratitude for the way they treat me and welcome me in this parents. I’m very happy to have become the top scorer of this team in an edition with a required number of goals. I hope we can meet again one day, I’m following a new path, but my heart will always be with you, see you soon. May God bless you and this season to come. Thank you Odisha FC,” he said.
Odisha FC and FC Bengaluru United recently agreed to a loan deal which will see George D’Souza representing Bengaluru United in the upcoming I-League qualifiers. D’Souza started his professional career in 2016 with Goan club Sporting Clube de Goa. Being a native of Goa, this helped thrust George into the limelight as he represented the club in the Goa Professional League churning out a string of impressive performances. The left-back featured in 20 games for the team and scored four goals and provided three assists in the process. After his impressive performances for Sporting, Odisha FC came calling. He signed for the ISL club ahead of the 2020-21 season.
“As I get ready to start a new journey for Bengaluru United, I want to thank Odisha FC. I am grateful to the club and OFC management for all the support in the previous season and I am looking forward to do well in the upcoming days for Bengaluru United as I want to help them achieve their aim by qualifying for the I-League,” said D’Souza.
It will be interesting to see how the Odisha-based franchise goes about adapting following the departure of two quality players. Odisha FC had a season to forget, as they finished bottom of the table in the league.
