Apuia reveal why he joined Mumbai City FC

Apuia reveal why he joined Mumbai City FC

The Indian football season will officially kick-off with the historical Durand Cup that is set to be played this year from September 5. However, the transfer window this season has kept fans very engaged, especially the Apuia Lalengmawia transfer saga.

Lalengmawia, who is fondly known as Apuia to Indian football fans, was the biggest find of Indian football last season for NorthEast United, winning the ISL Emerging Player of the Year award.

Apuia's performance for The Highlanders attracted a number of suitors from the Indian Super League. However, except for Mumbai City FC and ATK Mohun Bagan, every other teams backed out of the deal due to the high transfer fee demand.

It turned into a two horse race for the India's best youngster last season. And after number months of speculation of Apuia joining ATK Mohun Bagan, and then the rumours of Apuia staying with NorthEast United for the season and then move for free next year. 

City Football Group backed Mumbai City FC were too eager to get the player this year itself and finally on 13th August, The Islanders announced Apuia's signing on a 5 year deal that is worth 11 crore salary in overall 5 years with bonuses and Mumbai City FC paid a record transfer fee for an Indian to NorthEast United, that is believed to be between 1 crore 80 lakh to 2 crore 10 lakh.

The man himself, Apuia has revealed why he joined Mumbai City FC. Apuia joined Mourya Mondal in the latest episode of Star Sports' Football United, where he talked about his transfer and his future plan.

During the show, Apuia stated that the attraction of playing in the AFC Champions League and City Football Group played a huge part in making the decision to join Mumbai City FC, "There is a possibility for me to play abroad given the City Football Group's network."

He also added that he wants to attract some of the best clubs in Asia to look at him for future, "Playing in the AFC Champions League is a big achievement, I want to catch the eye of the big Asian clubs in the AFC Champions League."

Talking about AFC Champions League, Mumbai City FC will become the 2nd team from India to play in the AFC Champions League after FC Goa this year. Mumbai City FC will play in the AFC Champions League next year after the Indian Super League 2021-2022 season is over.