ISL 2022-23 Golden Boot winner Diego Mauricio signs a two-year contract with Odisha FC

Indian Super League outfit Odisha FC have signed a two year contract with Brazilian striker Diego Mauricio, keeping him at the club till 2025. Odisha FC announced his contract extension through a video posted all across their social media platforms.

It is exceptional for Odisha FC in next season’s context as Mauricio finished with the ‘golden boot’ scoring 12 goals and was easily one of the most prolific goalscorers in the league. He became the first player from Odisha FC to win the award this season. He will hope to propel them to a certain level in the next couple of years

The ISL 2022-23 season started gradually for the veteran Brazilian who took his time to consistently find the net. But once he started doing it, he simply kept on scoring goals for fun. His goals helped Odisha FC finish sixth this season above FC Goa as they clinched their first ever position in the playoffs.

While their journey was curtailed against the eventual winner, ATK Mohun Bagan in the knockout rounds, it was still a historic season for the Kalinga Warriors.

There were plenty of clubs enquiring about Mauricio’s availability next season but Odisha Fc understood the situation and the demand that could rise given he won the ‘golden boot’ and all. They acted very quickly in securing the deal for the next two years, hoping that they don’t need to think about goals.

The experience Brazilian came to Indian shores when he first signed with Odisha FC in 2020. He smashed 12 goals in the ISL in his debut season. He immediately caught everyone’s eye and it was Mumbai City FC who made the move to sign the Brazilian in January 2022. While he played a role in their 2021-22 ISL season by scoring thrice in seven matches, his main responsibility came in the AFC Champions League. He scored there as well as the Islanders became the first club to register a win in Asia’s elite football tournament.

However he returned to Odisha FC under Josep Gombau’s manegement and had a sensational season with them. While the club could have achieved much bigger things and that’s why Gombau was sacked by the management, Mauricio will hope that being a senior in the dressing room, he guides the youngster properly and be a man leading from the front. For now, Mauricio’s focus will be on the Super Cup as he will look to replicate his ISL form into the cup tournament.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Mauricio shared his delight. He said, “I belong to Odisha. I love the people and the city. The fans have shown me how much they love me. My family is very happy that I decided to say. I have had a great time here, and I am looking forward to continuing my journey with the club. I believe we can achieve great things together.”