Why FC Goa parted ways with Armando Sadiku ahead of 2025 Super Cup?

The Gaurs will have only five foreign players at their disposal for the upcoming Cup tournament.

Indian Super League (ISL) club FC Goa and Albanian striker Armando Sadiku have mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect. According to Times of India, his inappropriate celebration against Bengaluru FC was the primary reason for the 33-year-old’s departure from the club.

According to Khel Now sources, Sadiku and the club’s coaching staff’s relations had reached a point of no return citing disciplinary issues and his inappropriate celebration becoming the final straw.

The former ISL shield-winning striker scored nine goals and created two assists in 22 league games for the Gaurs. After moving in the summer from Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the Albanian attacker was supposed to be the answer to FC Goa’s scoring woes. However, injuries and lack of discipline hampered his progress under coach Manolo Marquez, who relied on Iker Guarrotxena over Sadiku to lead the line.

Armando Sadiku’s wild celebration became his undoing

The 33-year-old attacker made his last appearance in the FC Goa colors in the second leg of the semifinal game against Bengaluru FC. Coming on as a substitute in the 75th minute, Sadiku went on to score the Gaurs’ second goal, making it 2-2 on aggregate.

However, the contentious moment came when the Albanian striker performed an obscene celebration following the goal. The celebration put him into deep hot water with the management, who served him a show cause to explain the reason for opting for this celebration.

FC Goa couldn’t tolerate Sadiku’s undisciplined behavior

The Gaurs striker was on fire in his first seven consecutive games, scoring eight goals, however, he only managed to score one goal in his next 15 appearances. Sadiku even played five games with less than 15 minutes of action under Marquez.

The lack of game time on the field made finding the back of the net difficult for the Albanian striker. With his departure from the squad, Marquez will be looking to instill more discipline in the squad.

With continental football at stake, the Spaniard will be keen to win the Super Cup. While Sadiku’s departure leaves them down one foreign player, Marquez will be looking to get his players in order before the Cup competition.

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