Rowllin Borges joins FC Goa on loan from Mumbai City, Chennaiyin FC part ways with foreign contingent and coach Thomas Brdaric

Indian international Rowllin Borges has joined FC Goa on loan from Mumbai City. The midfielder, who is currently with the Indian national team for the Intercontinental Cup will add more firepower to the midfielder. His main aim will be to revive his career under Manolo Marquez after long spells on the sidelines.

The 31-year-old feels that it was his destiny to play for his home state club once in his career and therefore he is delighted to join FC Goa on loan. In the last three years he won the Indian Super League title once and the ISL League winners’ Shield twice.

“I always felt that I would play for FC Goa one day – like it was my destiny. Something or the other, though, wasn’t aligned for me to play for my home club, but finally, it has come true. I am very happy,” Borges stated after putting pen to paper.

“I believe this is the start of a new chapter in my career. And I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s success,” he added.

The midfielder who is actually from North Goa began his professional career with Sporting Clube de Goa. After featuring for them in the I-League for four seasons, he moved to NorthEast United. He also played for East Bengal FC in a short loan spell before returning back to the Highlanders.

Rowllin was a mainstay for NorthEast United in the midfield and he was one of the best midfielders in the league when the Highlanders made their first playoff appearance in the 2018-19 season.

He moved to Mumbai City FC ahead of the 2019-20 season. He lifted the ISL League Winners Shield twice in the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons. He also lifted the ISL trophy in 2021 with the Islanders and played in the AFC Champions League for them the following year.

Rowllin will be eager to perform to his potential for the Gaurs under the tutelage of Manolo Marquez who is also a new arrival for FC Goa.

On other news, Six foreign players have parted ways with Chennaiyin FC. Some of them were key members from last season. Abdenasser El Khayati, Petar Sliskovic, Julius Duker, Kwame Karikari, Fallou Diagne and Vafa Hakhamaneshi will not continue with the club in the following season. Even coach Thomas Brdaric’s departure was also announced by the club.

Reports suggest that former Chennaiyin FC coach Owen Coyle is set to rejoin the team.It will be interesting to see if he eventually returns to India or not.