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What's the story?
Mumbai City FC have signed former player Anwar Ali from ATK. The defender joins the Islanders after two years away from the club.
In case you didn't know...
Anwar Ali began his career with the Punjab Police team before moving on to JCT. The Punjab-born player was with JCT for four years before moving on to Dempo.
Ali's first big break came when Mohun Bagan came calling in 2010. The defender would go on to play for the Kolkata-based side for two years before moving on to newer pastures. After a stint with United Sikkim, the 33-year-old went on to sign for I-League club Mumbai FC.
Delhi Dynamos came calling in 2014, and Ali left Mumbai FC to join the ISL side, before returning to Mumbai two years later. In 2016, Ali signed for Mumbai City FC for the first time and having played for them for one year, moved on to East Bengal and then ATK.
The heart of the matter
Mumbai City FC announced via Twitter, that they have re-signed former player Anwar Ali. Ali previously played for Mumbai during the 2016 Indian Super League campaign and returns to the Islanders in a bid to boost their defense.
Ali formed an impressive partnership with defender Lucian Goian in his previous stint with Mumbai City FC. A partnership which helped the club finish top of the table in the regular season, before finally bowing out in the playoffs. Such was the strength of Mumbai's defensive partnership, that the Islanders conceded just eight goals all season.
Mumbai City FC enjoyed a torrid time last time around and will hope that the signing of Ali can bring back some good memories.
What's next?
Mumbai City have been heavily involved in the transfer market before the start of the 2018-19 Indian Super League season. Ali becomes their ninth signing of the transfer window as Mumbai look to improve on their last season's position.
Will Anwar Ali bring back the glory days for Mumbai City FC? Do let us know in the comments below.
