ISL 2018/19: Mumbai City signs former Champions League star

XtraTime Web Desk: Mumbai City FC have signed attacking midfielder Rafael Bastos for the upcoming ISL season.





The Brazilian attacking midfielder has rubbed shoulders against the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ryan Giggs in the UEFA Champions League.

The Brazilian-born midfielder has previously worked with newly appointed coach Jorge Costa during his stint with CFR Cluj. Bastos was one of the key figures in Cluj’s dream run in the Champions League in 2012. Bastos scored twice against his former club SC Braga in a group stage match to fire his team to a 2-0 win away from home.

Cluj went on beat English giants Manchester United at their own backyard but unfortunately failed to qualify for the knock-out stages in spite of being tied at 10 points with Galatasaray as the Turkish outfit had a better head-to-head record. He also won the Romanian league with Cluj in 2011-12 season.

The 33-year old can play as an attacking midfielder or even slot in at the wings. He is also known for his ability to find the back of the net from set-pieces.





After his stint with Cluj, he joined Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr FC and thereafter returned to Brazil to play for Figueirense FC.

In 2017, Thailand’s Buriram United managed to sign him and he played an integral role in their league winning campaign of the 2016-17 season.

Mumbai CIty FC had a disappointing run in the previous season of ISL and the management have kept no stone unturned to change their fortunes this season.