Alberto Noguera se queda: Mumbai City FC pen one year contract extension with the Spanish maestro

Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 Shield winners Mumbai City FC extended the services of Spanish midfielder Alberto Noguera on a one-year contract, the club announced on Tuesday, May 23. The new contract will keep the 33-year-old at the club until the end of the 2023-24 season.

Noguera was a crucial member of the Mumbai squad that went unbeaten for eight matches in the league stage to clinch the League Winners' Shield. The Spaniard scored four goals during his 20 appearances throughout the ISL season, against Hyderabad FC, Chennayin FC, FC Goa and Odisha FC namely.

Although Alberto Noguera featured seldomly in the starting lineup last season, he made an instantaneous impact off the bench on most occasions.

Noguera also aided the Islanders’ impermeable defence with 55 tackles, 11 interceptions and 15 blocks.

The attacking midfielder concluded an impressive first season with the Islanders by scoring an incredible goal in a 3-1 victory over Jamshedpur FC during the Club Playoffs.

Noguera's strike played a key role in Mumbai City FC securing a place in the group stage of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League.

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“Staying on at Mumbai City was an easy decision for me" - Alberto Noguera on his contract extension

Many predicted Alberto Noguera to switch bases after a season of mostly substitute roles. But during a previous conversation with Sportskeeda in December last year, the Madrid-born midfielder had underlined that he was eager to stay at the club and break into the starting lineup on merit.

In a club statement, the Spaniard opened up about his contract extension and said:

“Staying on at Mumbai City was an easy decision for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, and we’ve had a good season last time out. To be able to help make history for the Club, it’s a moment of pride for me and the fans have made me feel like a part of this family."

"We have important challenges ahead, especially defending our league title and I am ready to help the Club achieve even more," he added.

Meanwhile, head coach Des Buckingham was also elated by Noguera's contract extension.

“We’re very happy that Alberto has chosen to extend his stay with us for another season," Buckingham said. "His experience and ability to positively influence games played a major role in our success this season. His understanding of the game and ability with the ball compliments the players around him and enhances the way we want the team to play."

"Alberto’s presence, character and leadership shown each day has been that of a top professional and person and is one I look forward to continuing to work with as we plan for next year," he added.

With reports of Ahmed Jahouh leaving the Mumbai City FC setup, retaining Alberto Noguera was a major move for the Islanders. This allows Buckingham to build on the momentum of the previous season with his core group largely intact.