Fran Gonzalez breaks silence on future in Indian football

The versatile midfielder was highly influential in Mohun Bagan's title-winning season in I-League.

With only a few weeks remaining until the 2020-21 Indian football season begins, Spanish midfielder Fran Gonzalez took to social media on Wednesday to address his unresolved contract situation with Mohun Bagan. The player revealed that the club have not communicated with him or his lawyer, despite having a year remaining in his contract. He further asked the fans whether they remember him or not. 

"Hello my dear Mariners! I hope this message finds you well! As you already know, I have another season contract, but unfortunately I still haven’t received any news from the club about the beginning of training. They are not even replying (to) my lawyer’s messages. Sad to see how they already forgot who I am and what I did for them last season... What about you? Do you still remember me? Hope to see you soon!" Gonzalez wrote.

The post also had a picture of him in last season's Mohun Bagan jersey and the two tattoos he had on him to remember his stint with them -- the I-League trophy and the words 'Anonder Sohor' (Kolkata is known as the 'City of Joy').

Speaking to Khel Now, Gonzalez also revealed that although a few Indian clubs have already approached him ahead of the upcoming season, he will take a call only after his current situation with the Mariners is resolved. The 31-year-old played a very important role for them last season, as they went on to lift the I-League trophy with as many as four matches to spare. He played in all of their 16 matches, registered 10 goals and an assist and became their joint-top scorer alongside Papa Babacar Diawara. 

His versatility also stood out throughout their campaign, as he slotted seamlessly into both -- the midfield with Joseba Beitia and the defence alongside Fran Morante whenever required. He made a total of 741 passes with a passing accuracy of 82%, making him one of the best midfielders in the competition. At the same time, he was also a real leader of the team both on and off the pitch.

ALSO READ: East Bengal: Five ways in which ISL can benefit from club’s entry

Mohun Bagan will play in the Indian Super League (ISL) in the upcoming season following their merger with reigning champions ATK. The merged entity will also take part in the group stage of the AFC Cup 2021, thanks to the Mariners’ I-League 2019-20 champions’ slot. Following Fran Gonzalez's public appeal, it has been understood that ATK Mohun Bagan will officially address his situation in the near future.