Mumbai City FC has confirmed that Amrinder Singh will leave the club after following the end of his contract. The 27-year old custodian will depart after five seasons with the 2020-21 Indian Super League Champions.
Amrinder, who initially joined the club on loan from Bengaluru FC, made his debut for Mumbai in a 0-0 draw against FC Goa in November 2016. Despite joining midway through the 2016 ISL campaign, the goalkeeper registered five clean sheets in six appearances, leading Mumbai City FC to their first ever ISL semi-final appearance, and made his way to the Golden Glove award in his debut season with the Islanders.
The Mahilpur-born goalkeeper was one of the major positives in Mumbai City's 2017-18 campaign, where they finished 7th on the points table. His performances earned him a three-year extension in March 2018.
Amrinder Singh was named as one of the club’s captains by Jorge Costa in the 2018-19 campaign and led the Islanders to their second semi-final appearance in five seasons of the ISL, only to fall short of a place in the final once again.
On January 4, 2020, Amrinder created history by becoming the highest-capped player in the history of Mumbai City when he led the Islanders out against ATK at the Mumbai Football Arena, passing the record set earlier by Lucian Goian. The Islanders, however, missed out on consecutive semi-final appearances on the final day of the league later in the same campaign.
"Kabhi nahi bhool sakta, ye last paanch saal!" 💙
— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) May 31, 2021
📹 | We caught up with Paaji for an emotional final interview with the club, as he relives his journey with #TheIslanders from his first training session to winning the unique 'double'! 🗣 #ThankYouAmrinder #AamchiCity 🔵 pic.twitter.com/Cf5COMKZY2
Amrinder would soon play a crucial role in one of the most important seasons in the club’s history. He remained as one of the leaders of the side under incoming head coach Sergio Lobera in a highly successful 2020-21 season and was instrumental towards leading Mumbai City to first, the ISL League Winners’ Shield and then, the elusive ISL Trophy – the first pieces of silverware in the club’s history.
“I came to this club five years ago as a boy, and now I leave as a man. I have learned so much about football and about life in my time at Mumbai City FC. I have had the privilege of working with some of the best players, the best coaches, and staff here in Mumbai,” Amrinder said.
“This club is my family, and it's always tough to say goodbye to family. But I am proud that I can leave this family as a champion, winning our first ever trophies, and I will always hold Mumbai City close to my heart,” he added.
Head coach Sergio Lobera, who led Mumbai City FC to their maiden ISL title and the League Winners Shield, heaped praise on the departing goalkeeper. “It's no secret that Amrinder has been an important part of Mumbai City's history. Amrinder's influence, both on and off the pitch, was immense, and his role in our incredibly successful last season cannot be understated. He helped his teammates improve, and he helped me learn many things as a coach too. I wish him good luck and good health in his future.”
After 84 appearances for Mumbai City FC, with his last in the iconic 2020-21 ISL Final at the Fatorda, Amrinder Singh will link up with ATK Mohun Bagan after signing a five-year contract with ATK.
Featured photo: Twitter / Mumbai City FC
