Mandar Rao Dessai to leave Mumbai City FC after three successful seasons

The 31-year-old helped the Islanders to the league double in 2020-21.

Mumbai City FC can confirm that Mandar Rao Dessai will leave the Club after his contract ends on May 31. The 31-year-old left-back will bid farewell to the Islanders after three years together.

Khel Now had revealed last month that East Bengal were interested in signing the player and had offered a multi-year deal.Mandar arrived at Mumbai City FC in October 2020, making the move from FC Goa. The Goan-born defender was an instrumental part of the Islanders’ side that created history by winning an unprecedented ‘double’ of the Hero ISL League Winners’ Shield and the Hero ISL Trophy in the 2020-21 campaign. 

Mandar's contributions to MCFC

The following year, Mandar was named by the squad as one of the Club vice-captains and represented the Club in Mumbai City FC’s historic run at the 2022 AFC Champions League. The Club won two games and drew one as the Islanders went on to finish second in Group B. 

Mandar went on to win his second League Winners’ Shield with the Islanders in the 2022-23 season as Mumbai City FC went on a rampaging 18-game unbeaten run to lift the league title in record-breaking fashion.

After 52 appearances across three memorable seasons, Mandar leaves as one of Mumbai City FC’s most decorated players. The Islanders will forever be thankful for his contributions and commitment to the Club.