Mumbai City signs Japanese mid-fielder Goddard
Mumbai: Indian Super League side Mumbai City FC on Tuesday signed England-born Japanese mid-fielder Cy Goddard for the upcoming 2020-21 season.
The 23-year-old joins the club on a season-long loan from Italian club Benevento Calcio.
A product of English club Tottenham Hotspur's youth academy, Goddard represented Spurs at the U-18, U-21 and U-23 levels before leaving in 2017.
Goddard then moved to Italy where he signed for Serie B side Benevento Calcio on a three-year deal in 2018.
In search of more playing time, the young attacking mid-fielder moved to Cypriot club Pafos FC on loan for the 2019-20 season.
Goddard is also a youth international for Japan and has worn the Japanese national colors at the U-16 and U-17 levels.
"When an opportunity to come to Mumbai City came by, I was eager to come to India, showcase my talent here, and develop my game. I am aware of the philosophy we have here with coach Sergio Lobera and it fits right with the way I like to play football, Goddard was quoted as saying in a statement.
Head coach Sergio Lobera described the mid-fielder as a great talent.
"He has developed from a young age at a top-level club like Tottenham and even at his young age, he brings a lot of valuable experience along with his skill. Cy has the potential to grow and become an influential player here at Mumbai City," Lobera said.
