Mumbai: Mumbai City FC have signed Spanish Midfielder Hernán Santana ahead of the upcoming ISL season. As per reports, Hernan moved to the Mumbai Football Arena on loan from Segunda division side Real Sporting de Gijón. The Club unveiled the signing on social media on Sunday (October 25).
We’ve lined up a Spanish Sunday special for you – Hernán Santana is an Islander! 🔵
Let’s give him a warm Mumbai welcome with #HolaHernán 👋 pic.twitter.com/AtYwOzBdyM
— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) October 25, 2020
“I’ve known Sergio Lobera from my time in Spain. He is a highly respected coach back home and I had two fantastic years playing under him. He played a major role in bringing me here to Mumbai City, and the vision and the ambitions of the club made the decision even easier for me. The ISL has a huge profile in Spain and in Europe and the steady rise in the quality of the league is for everyone to see,” the Spaniard said on the move.
“I’ve heard a lot about the city of Mumbai and the fans already. I can’t wait to get started and compete for trophies with my new teammates, and most importantly, help make the city and its supporters proud.”
The 30-year-old started his career after coming through the youth ranks of UD Las Palmas, making his senior debut in 2011. It was there where he played under Lobera for two seasons between 2012 and 2014. An integral part of his boyhood club, Santana spent over six seasons for Las Palmas making 133 appearances overall in which three seasons were in the Spanish La Liga before moving to Segunda Division side Sporting Gijón, making 31 appearances over two seasons.
Explaining on the move, head coach Lobera added, “Hernán is someone I have worked with in the past in Spain. He is a hard worker, on and off the ball and he adds a lot of character and experience into our squad. I spoke to Hernán in our conversations about the things we want to achieve here at Mumbai City and he has been committed to our vision since the very start. I am delighted to have him with us and I am sure our supporters will also enjoy seeing a player of Hernán’s calibre.”
