The Brazilian is a versatile football player who can play on either wing and through the middle as an attacking midfielder.
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Indian Super League (ISL) club Mumbai City FC have completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Cassio Gabriel on a season-long loan from Campeonato Brasileiro Serie B club Vila Nova for the upcoming season. The player is affectionately called ‘Cassinho’ by his fans back home in Brazil. The 29-year-old started his youth career at Fluminense under 20s side and went on to play for a number of Brazilian clubs such as Paysandu SC, Bento Goncalves, Guarani, Annapolis, ASEEV-GO, Penapolense, Piracicaba, Sao Bento, Botafogo, and Mirassol before joining Vila Nova in June 2020. The Brazilian is a versatile football player who can play on either wing and through the middle as an attacking midfielder. He made 12 appearances for his last club and recorded one assist to his name.
During his time at the Fluminense under 20 side, he was loaned out to Croatian club Hajduk Split in 2013. It is the only non-Brazilian club he has played for in his career so far. Mumbai City FC is set to be his second. “Mumbai City have a great profile back home in Brazil. There are a number of Brazilians who have played at Mumbai City and I’ve only heard positive things about the Club. Mumbai City are the defending champions and their ambition is what convinced me that this is where I want to be. The Club wants to win titles, they want to be the best, not only in India but at a continental level, and I am really excited to be part of a Club of this mentality,” the midfielder said after his move was confirmed by the club on their official website.
He said that he was looking forward to the ISL season and that he was also very excited for the AFC Champions League. Mumbai City FC were crowned ISL champions last season as they beat ATK Mohun Bagan in the final. “The ISL is one of the fastest-growing leagues in the world, and the quality of football being played here is really great. I know we have a massive season ahead of us, defending the ISL title as well as the AFC Champions League campaign. It will be a new challenge for me, but I am fully prepared for it, and I cannot wait to start this exciting journey with my new family,” the 29-year-old added.
Mumbai City FC head coach Sergio Lobera seemed very pleased with the new acquisition. The manager said that Gabriel was a player with an excellent footballing pedigree. Lobera also said that the Brazilian could be a vital part of the team. “Cassio comes from an excellent football pedigree and brings a lot of valuable experience along with his skill set on the pitch. I believe he can be a vital member of the Mumbai City family and certainly contribute positively to the team’s performance. We are pleased to have a great talent like Cassio on our side,” he said.
With the new signing, the defending champions look like a force to reckon with ahead of the new season. They already have an incredible squad with amazing depth and Gabriel’s addition can only have a positive impact.
