Bengaluru FC part ways with centre-back Albert Serran

The versatile 36-year-old defender made 34 appearances in the past two seasons for the Blues in the ISL.

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Bengaluru FC have announced the departure of their versatile defender Albert Serran after the completion of his contract. Serran joined the Bengaluru-based outfit in 2018 from Moroccon club Chabab Rif Al Hociema, initially for one season. His contract was later extended for one more year in 2019. He was a part of the squad that went on to claim their first ISL title in the 2018-19 season, defeating FC Goa in extra-time at the Mumbai Football Arena.

The official announcement of the departure was made by Bengaluru FC on Tuesday. “All of us at the BFC family would like to thank Albert Serran for his time at the club, and wish him good luck for everything that lies ahead. It was a pleasure having you wear the BFC blue, champion," the club wrote.

36-year-old Albert Serran is the second departure from Bengaluru FC this week, after they terminated Brazilian midfielder Raphael Augusto's contract by mutual consent. The RCD Espanyol youth product registered one goal and one assist during his two-year stint with the Blues. He also brought defensive solidity under Carles Cuadrat, which resulted in BFC conceding the least number of goals (13) in the last edition of the ISL.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC have strengthened their squad for the upcoming season, with the likes of Ajith Kumar (left-back), Pratik Chaudhari (right-back) Lalthuammawia Ralte (goalkeeper), Joe Zoherliana (right-back), Lara Sharma (goalkeeper), Wungngayam Muirang (midfielder) as well as Brazilian forward Cleiton Silva.

ALSO READ: Bengaluru FC and Raphael Augusto part ways on mutual consent

The seventh edition of the Indian Super League will be played behind closed doors in Goa as a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 pandemic and Carles Cuadrat and Co. will have their sights set on another title.