ISL: Robin Singh, Denzil Franco joins FC Goa on a one-year deal

Robin Singh signs for FC Goa on a one-year deal. File Pic
Robin Singh signs for FC Goa on a one-year deal. File Pic

Internet Desk: Out of action for almost seven months with a knee injury, the India striker is indeed starting a new journey, motivated and hungry to start all over again with Indian Super League (ISL) finalists FC Goa.Robin signed a one-year deal with FC Goa on Saturday, making him the biggest and most prominent signing for the Goan franchise so far.

Robin scored four goals for Delhi Dynamos in last year’s ISL but was forced to miss out on the I-League after injuring himself at the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup in Trivandrum. Since then, all that Robin has done is work steadfastly towards recovering from his ACL injury, and although it has taken him seven months to get back in shape, he is hungrier than ever before.

Robin’s decision to accept a one-year contract from FC Goa is significant. The India striker, among the more talented strikers in India and much-appreciated by coach Stephen Constantine for his untiring efforts on the field, had plenty of offers, including one from Delhi Dynamos. But Robin instead opted to move away from his comfort zone.

Meanwhile with the signing of Robin SIngh, FC Goa have moved quickly to strengthen their quota of domestic players with the signing of Atletico de Kolkata defender Denzil Franco. FC Goa have lagged behind this season, largely because of the sanctions imposed on them by the Indian Super League regulatory commission. With the sanctions now set to be lifted on July 22 and a new owner expected to take charge, FC Goa have started the process of signing domestic players.

Another player who has been formally approached is goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani. The Dempo Sports Club goalkeeper was a star performer for the Goan franchise last season and chief coach Zico counted on him all through, ahead of Brazilian goalkeeper Elinton Andrade.

Kattimani, now a free player, was yet to respond to the offer but it is understood that the goalkeeper is not considering offers from any other franchise. Players like Mandar Rao Desai and Romeo Fernandes can expect offer letters in the next 48 hours. FC Goa’s domestic signings include Robin Singh, Keenan Almeida, Prathesh Shirodkar and Debabrata Roy.