Chennaiyin FC have signed Mumbai City FC’s 36-year-old Romanian defender Lucian Goian on a free transfer for the upcoming Indian Super League season.
Born in the Suceava city in Romania, Goian spent his formative years at Foresta Fălticeni academy and made his senior team debut in the 2001-2002 season.
Between the years 2004 and 2010, the defender was at the Bucharest club FC Dinamo București – a period which also included a long loan spell to CSM Ceahlăul.
In 2012, the central defender moved to China first with Tianjin TEDA FC and a season later, he joined another Chinese club Beijing Sport University FC. Lucian returned to Romania with SR Brașov in 2014 followed by a season at CFR Cluj.
Lucian first joined Mumbai City FC in 2016. After the ISL season ended, he moved to Australian A-Division side Perth Glory before re-signing for Mumbai City FC in the 2017-18 season.
Overall in his two stints with Mumbai City FC, Lucian has amassed 46 appearances in the Indian Super League and also captained the Islanders.
The 36-year-old comes to Chennaiyin FC with a wealth of experience on his back. Apart from the ISL, he has competed in the Romanian Liga 1, Europa League, UEFA Cup, AFC Champions League, A-League and the Chinese Super League.
He replaces the outgoing Brazilian defender and two-time ISL champion Mailson Alves whose departure from the club was announced today.
It feels great to sign with Chennaiyin. The coach (John Gregory) played a huge role in me coming here.
When he asked me if I wish to return to India to win the ISL trophy, I simply said yes.
Lucian Goian
In Lucian (Goian), we are signing a leader who has rich experience in Indian football. His commitment and aggression on the pitch has been quite evident from his time in Mumbai.
John Gregory, Head Coach, Chennaiyin FC.
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