MUMBAI: India's longtime striker Sunil Chhetri, who masterminded 4-1 rout of higher ranked Puerto Rico last week in an international football friendly here, will again play for Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL).
The ISL franchise has retained Chhetri for the third season of the 2014-launched league which means the 32-year-old will return to the city outfit for the second time, resuming the role of star striker for the squad, said the club today.
With 51 international goals to his name, Chhetri is India's highest goal scorer and is also Bengaluru FC's top scorer for the 2015-2016 season of the I-League.
Beginning his professional career with Mohun Bagan, Chhetri went on to become the first Indian footballer to participate in a Major League Soccer squad by joining the Kansas City Wizards in the USA.
He later represented Sporting Clube de Portugal's 'B' team, besides turning up in the colours of top Indian clubs such as Dempo SC and East Bengal, apart from Bagan and Bengaluru FC.
Scoring twice in his second game, Chhetri led Mumbai City FC to their first win of the 2015 season and scored seven goals last year, which included a hat-trick against North East United.
Speaking of his upcoming season, Chhetri said, "I am elated to return to Mumbai City FC for season three of the ISL. It is a great club with amazing fans. Ranbir, Mr. Parekh, Indranil and the entire team have been great to work with and I can't wait to don the blue of Mumbai and hopefully give the fans a better result!"
Team owner and Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor said,"We are extremely excited to have Sunil back with us. A player of his quality provides a huge lift to the team. His work ethic is incredible and he sets the bar high for everyone and that's amazing to have in the dressing room. I'm sure he'll give the fans plenty of reasons to keep cheering for him this season too!"