Hugo Boumous announces departure from FC Goa, club denies agreement

The 25-year-old was one of the standout performers in the Indian Super League last season.

In the latest transfer saga at FC Goa, midfielder Hugo Boumous announced that he will be leaving the club ahead of the 2020-21 Indian Super League season, however the club has put out a statement saying that the player is still under contract with them. After the ISL campaign ended, Boumous travelled back to France and hinted that he wouldn’t be coming back to Goa.

Writing on his Instagram account, Hugo Boumous explained: “Dear Goa, I would like to announce that my journey with FC Goa is over. It has been a hard decision to make."

“I’m grateful to have represented the colours and the state of Goa across the Indian Super League. Thanks for all the love I received from the fans during the two years spent with you."

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“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with all the staff and teammates in this time. So many memories for the rest of my life and I’ll always have you in my heart. Special mention to our fanbases Gaur Army, FC Goa Fan Club, East Lower Army for your extraordinary support. I wish the club nothing but the best for the future.”

However, immediately after the player announced it on social media, FC Goa put out a statement denying any agreement. "The club would like to state that Hugo Boumous continues to remain a contracted with FC Goa."

"There is no agreement that has been reached with any other club on the same," read the statement.

https://twitter.com/FCGoaOfficial/status/1287730285308608518

It remains to be seen what the next move in the 25-year-old’s career is after having such a prolific campaign in the ISL last season. He was the backbone of FC Goa’s brilliant attacking display, scoring 11 goals and managing 10 assists in only 15 matches.

https://youtu.be/NJWCx2A5408

Boumous also won the ISL Player of the Season award for his extraordinary work, through which he inspired Goa to finish the league phase in first position, hence making them the first Indian side to qualify directly for the AFC Champions League.

Should the player leave, it will be another blow to Goa, with other prominent foreigners like Ahmed Jahouh and Mourtada Fall also set to leave the club. Meanwhile, defender Carlo Pena has announced his retirement. Moreover, Mandar Rao Dessai is also set to join his former coach Sergio Lobera at Mumbai City.

Hugo Boumous made 42 appearances for FC Goa, in which he scored 16 goals and managed 17 assists. If a player of his quality was to walk away from the league altogether, it would be a blow to the ISL’s quality.