ISL 2018: Mumbai City FC's Gerson Vieira signs for Japanese side Renofa Yamaguchi FC

Indian Super League outfit, Mumbai City FC have confirmed that Brazilian midfielder Gerson Vieira has left for Japanese side, Renofa Yamaguchi FC.

Vieira's contract was terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect, as the Brazilian will now don the colours of his new club and will be seen playing in the J2-League, which is the second tier of Japanese football.The 25-year-old, who signed with Mumbai City FC last season, relished a debut campaign, making fourteen appearances for the Islanders and even aided them finish on top of the points table, assisting Alexandre Guimaraes’ team make it to the semifinals for the first time, last season.

Gerson netted his only goal for the club in the first leg of the semi-final against Atletico de Kolkata (now ATK). He was one of the three international players retained by Guimaraes ahead of the 2017-18 ISL season.

The 25-year-old was seen wearing the captain’s armband on five occurrences this season, leading the team on his final presence on the field for the club from Mumbai against freshly crowned champions, Chennaiyin FC on March 3, 2018.

CEO, Indranil Das Blah had nothing but praise for his employee. "Gerson has been an asset to the club over the last two seasons. His versatility and commitment have seen him become a lynchpin for the club. We wish him all the very best for his next venture and hope to see him back in Mumbai City FC colours very soon,” said club CEO he said.

Head coach Alexandre Guimaraes also expressed his appreciation for the Brazilian and said, “Gerson has been a key player during these two seasons with us here at Mumbai City FC. He had a wonderful opportunity to grow professionally and we are glad to help him take the next step in his career. We would like to thank him for his contributions both, on and off the pitch for this club, and wish him and his family all the good luck and success.”

Vieira will join his new team, who are placed on the third spot in the J2-League after playing four matches, and is expected to make his debut against Zweigen Kanazawa FC at the Ishin Me-Life Stadium (Yamaguchi’s home ground), later this week.