Mumbai: Mumbai City FC confirm the departure of Gerson Vieira after the Brazilian midfielder’s contract was mutually terminated with immediate effect. Gerson will move to Japanese side Renofa Yamaguchi FC playing in the J2 League, the second tier of Japanese football.
The Brazilian joined Mumbai City FC on 28 June, 2016 and enjoyed a debut campaign representing the Islanders a total of 14 times and finishing on top of the Indian Super League, helping the Alexandre Guimaraes’ side qualify for it’s first ever play-off. Gerson scored his only goal in Mumbai City FC colours in the first leg of the semifinal against ATK.
He was one of the three foreigners retained by Guimaraes ahead of the 2017-18 season and played 17 more times for the Islanders. He wore the captain’s armband on 5 occassions this season, leading the side on his final appearance for the club against Chennaiyin FC on March 3.
“Gerson has been an asset to the club over the last two seasons. His versatility and commitment have seen him become a lynchpin for the club. We wish him all the very best for his next venture and hope to see him back in Mumbai City FC colours very soon”, said club CEO, Indranil Das Blah.
Head coach Alexandre Guimaraes was full of praise for the Brazilian and expressed his gratitude to the midfielder for his contributions to the club.
“Gerson has been a key player during these two seasons with us here at Mumbai City FC. He had a wonderful opportunity to grow professionally and we are glad to help him take the next step in his career. We would like to thank him for his contributions both, on and off the pitch for this club, and wish him and his family all the good luck and success”, said Guimaraes.
Gerson will join his new side, who sit third in the J2 League after four games, and will be in line for a debut against Zweigen Kanazawa FC at Yamaguchi’s home ground, the Ishin Me-Life Stadium, on March 21.
Everyone at Mumbai City FC would like to thank Gerson and wish him well for the future.
