Adam Le Fondre leaves Mumbai City, returns to Sydney FC

The former Premier League star has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the A-League champions

Sydney FC have re-signed their former striker Adam Le Fondre from Indian Super League (ISL) side Mumbai City FC, the club announced on Friday.

The 34-year old has penned a two-and-half-year contract with the A-League champions and will be available for the closing games of their season as the Sky Blues aim for a league three-peat as well as the AFC Champions League title.

A fresh chapter at familiar surroundings for Le Fondre

“This club and this city had an enormous impact on me and my family during my time here and I’m so pleased to be coming back,” said Le Fondre after completing the signing. "It’s like I’m coming home and to know I have signed for even longer than last time is a fantastic feeling."

The English striker netted 45 times from 68 games for Sydney FC over two seasons, and guided them to the championship twice before joining Mumbai City FC on a loan deal last summer. He then played an important role for the Islanders, scoring 11 times from 23 games as they lifted both the ISL winners' trophy and the league winners' shield.

“I’ve watched all of Sydney FC's games this season and the boys have been doing well," Le Fondre remarked on Friday.

He further added, "I’m looking forward to helping them step it up again and we’ll be firing on all cylinders in the back half of the season." Sydney FC head coach Steve Corica is also delighted to have the striker back in the squad, as he said, "Adam Le Fondre did a fantastic job for us over the last two years and I’ve no doubt he will do it again."

The road ahead for Mumbai City

Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC have already kick-started their preparations for the 2021-22 season. They recently announced that Bipin Singh has signed a new five-year deal with them, while the likes of Pranjal Bhumij and Hmingthanmawia are also among those set to receive contract extensions.

The club will be keen to defend their ISL title next season, along with doing well in the AFC Champions League.

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