Mumbai FC, will usher in the New Year – 2016, on a bright, happy note, with the signing of Japanese-born Indian national player Arata Izumi for the 2015-16 I-League season. The new recruit Arata Izumi on Thursday signed on the dotted line the Mumbai club and will spend the season on loan from ISL club Atletico de Kolkata.
Arata Izumi
Having gained Indian citizenship in 2012, Arata thus became eligible to represent the country in international competitions and made his debut with the Indian team, under coach Wim Koevermans, during an international friendly against Palestine in January 2013.
Arata, a versatile player has the capabilities of converting half chances into goals and is an energetic midfielder, who is an asset to any coach as he can be drafted to play in multiple positions in the team.
Arata has served Singapore clubs, Albirex Niigata Singapore FC, with whom he started his career in 2005 and Mitsubishi Mizushima (2006). He joins Mumbai FC after brief spells with East Bengal, Mahindra United, now disbanded and has spent most of his time playing for Pune FC in the I-League. Arata reunited with his former teammates Steven Dias and NP Pradeep who played together for Mahindra United in 2007-09.
The Mumbai FC Head Coach Khalid Jamil said, “Arata will bring a lot of creativity to the Mumbai FC attack. He has the ability to unlock any defense and he also has a very good eye for goals. Arata will fit into my game plans very well and is a player who can play both as a midfielder and as a forward.”
Arata will kick start his campaign for the Mumbai club in their opening match against Shillong Lajong in the I-League on January 9, 2016.