“I wanted to continue here and build my legacy.
But then the situation was such that I had to take a decision (on the future).
I couldn’t afford to end the season without a contract.”Going into the last year of his contract at Goa, Brandon, 29, initiated extension talks at the start of the season.
“We will miss him dearly and he will go down as one of the true icons of the club.
While he leaves us today, Brandon will always be welcomed back to FC Goa in whatever capacity he may choose with open arms.
Panaji: His voice was heavy, his heart heavier.In a social media post on Thursday, FC Goa captain announced “with a heavy heart” that after seven long and “incredible seasons”, his role at FC Goa comes to a halt.The star winger and attacking midfielder will officially join Mumbai City in the next 48 hours.“It was heartbreaking, I did not expect to leave the club so soon, but everything happened so unexpectedly,” Brandon told TOI. “I wanted to continue here and build my legacy. But then the situation was such that I had to take a decision (on the future). I couldn’t afford to end the season without a contract.”Going into the last year of his contract at Goa, Brandon, 29, initiated extension talks at the start of the season. Both, till then, took it easy. But in January, with just six months left on his existing deal, Mumbai knocked on his door with a four-year contract.Brandon waited to hear from Goa, but the club dragged its feet. According to sources, the club’s hesitancy was a result of the finances from the league in terms of expected revenues, not exactly encouraging, and the anticipated losses even bigger than what many initially budgeted.By the time Goa officials tried to make Brandon rethink his decision towards the closing stages of the season, it was already too late.“I wanted an assurance from Goa that they would sort out the financial situation and hand me a new contract. The club told me that the (player signing) guidelines for next season were also not clear, so a final decision could not be taken. I did not want to end the season without a contract. I wanted to sign and be secure. What if there was an injury? Nobody would have valued me,” explained Brandon.Given Brandon’s abilities with the ball at his feet and the openings he creates, the national team midfielder will significantly add to Mumbai’s strengths from next season. He’s now looking forward to the experience, his first move away from home after seven years.“Mumbai is a club where I’ve been before, and I know it’s one of the top clubs in the country. I will make sure that I strive towards giving my best during my time there,” said Brandon.The midfielder is one of the most loved domestic players to wear the orange shirt. Having joined Goa in 2017, the Indian international made 130 appearances across all competitions, which is the second-highest for any player.He is also Goa’s all-time top assists-maker, a record which he holds with 31 assists to his name. His 64th minute winner in the Super Cup final against Chennaiyin FC in 2019 secured the club’s first major silverware, and he capped it with the ISL Shield in 2019-20 with some exemplary performances.“Brandon became ingrained into the fabric of the club and was one of the pillars upon which sporting success was built in the seasons he was with us,” club CEO Ravi Puskur said on Thursday. “We will miss him dearly and he will go down as one of the true icons of the club. While he leaves us today, Brandon will always be welcomed back to FC Goa in whatever capacity he may choose with open arms. This club will always have a special place for him and his family.”
