Star striker Chhetri retained by Mumbai City FC for ISL 3

Mumbai, Sep 6 (PTI) India’s longtime striker SunilChhetri, who masterminded 4-1 rout of higher ranked PuertoRico 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 thirdseason of the 2014-launched league which means the 32-year-oldwill return to the city outfit for the second time, resumingthe role of star striker for the squad, said the club today. With 51 international goals to his name, Chhetri isIndia’s highest goal scorer and is also Bengaluru FC’s topscorer 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 toparticipate in a Major League Soccer squad by joining theKansas City Wizards in the USA. He later represented Sporting Clube de Portugal’s ‘B’team, besides turning up in the colours of top Indian clubssuch as Dempo SC and East Bengal, apart from Bagan andBengaluru FC. Scoring twice in his second game, Chhetri led MumbaiCity FC to their first win of the 2015 season and scored sevengoals last year, which included a hat-trick against North EastUnited. Speaking of his upcoming season, Chhetri said, "I amelated to return to Mumbai City FC for season three of theISL. It is a great club with amazing fans. Ranbir, Mr. Parekh,Indranil and the entire team have been great to work with andI can’t wait to don the blue of Mumbai and hopefully give thefans a better result!" Team owner and Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor said,"Weare extremely excited to have Sunil back with us. A player ofhis quality provides a huge lift to the team. His work ethicis incredible and he sets the bar high for everyone and that’samazing to have in the dressing room. I’m sure he’ll give thefans plenty of reasons to keep cheering for him this seasontoo!" PTI SSR RSY KHS KHSSRE