Former Indian Super League champions Mumbai City FC have announced the permanent signing of India international Lallianzuala Chhangte. The winger was with the Islanders on a six month loan stint last season from Chennaiyin and now he has joined the club permanently having signed a three year deal with the club.
He was unsettled at Chennaiyin FC last season and the Marina Machans decided to ship him out to Mumbai City where he enjoyed a six month loan stint and featured in seven matches after joining the Islanders in January. He was fortunate enough to also feature in the historic AFC Champions League where they finished second and just missed out on qualification to the knockouts.
Chhangte was one of the go to man for head coach Des Buckingham as the winger featured in all of the six group stage matches. Therefore he will now continue to be the main man for the Englishman who looks to improve the team’s performance in the ISL as well.
Despite his age, Chhangte has a lot of experience playing in the ISL. He made his debut back in 2016 for Chennaiyin FC against NorthEast United. He came on as a substitute against the Highlanders and gradually impressed everyone at Chennaiyin FC to be a starter over there. His performances in the ISL saw him earn his national team callup. Chhangte has featured in 97 matches in the ISL and is the third highest Indian scorer with 20 goals.
After putting pen to paper, Chhangte shared how he is delighted to join a club with so much ambition to do well not only in India but also in continental tournaments. “I am delighted and honoured to be a part of Mumbai City. One of the biggest reasons behind joining Mumbai City last season was to be a part of an ambitious club and to play at the highest level possible,” Chhangte stated.
He shared how representing India at the AFC Champions League was a fantastic experience for him and his teammates. “I feel privileged that I was able to do just that representing our club at the AFC Champions League and being a part of history. It’s something that will forever remain special not only for me but for my teammates, our families, our fans and for football in India,” the winger added.
Lastly he showed gratitude towards his coach Des Buckingham and thanked him for showing trust in him and his abilities. “I’m grateful for all the faith and the support the coach Des Buckingham, the staff and the management have shown in me. I believe I am settled in already with my new family and that I have a lot more to offer to the team,” he concluded.
It will be interesting to see how Des Buckingham uses Lallianzuala Chhangte in his system and whether Chhangte finds his best form under him or not. Overall it looks like a very exciting signing for the Islanders.
