Former Liverpool and Juventus midfielder Mohamed Sissoko was announced as FC Pune City’s new marquee player for the third season of the Indian Super League which began on Saturday. Sissoko replaced Eidur Gudjohnsen, the team's original marquee player, who was ruled out of the tournament owing to an ankle injury.
Sissoko started his football career with Auxerre, before moving to Valencia in 2003, where he was won the La Liga title. In the 2005 he joined Liverpool and went on to win the FA Cup in 2006. In 2008, Sissoko joined Juventus before moving to Paris Saint Germain in 2011.
"The moment FC Pune City expressed their interest and discussed their plans, I knew this was the challenge I would love to take up," said Sissoko. "Coach Habas and FC Pune City management showed full confidence in me and I will do everything in my abilities to fight for a place in starting XI for every game because FC Pune City team is so good and compact."
Pune's coach Antonio Habas has worked with Sissoko before, at Valencia, and was happy to join hands with him again. "Sissoko is a true professional having played for reputed clubs across Europe," Habas said. "He told us that he is ready to take the field whenever required. He is known to be a great ball winner, a role that will allow him to support our offence for winning back possession. I am excited at the prospect of working with him again, this time for bringing glory to FC Pune City."
