Pune: Indian Super League (ISL) club FC Pune City Monday signed winger Gabriel Fernandes and defensive midfielder Shankar Sampingiraj to strengthen their squad for the 2018-19 season. Gabriel who last played for East Bengal in the I-League enters Indian Super League with FC Pune City after a gap of two years.
After signing on the dotted line, Gabriel said, “It’s exciting times for me ahead as I join FC Pune City to play in the Indian Super League. What they achieved last season has been pretty impressive and part of my responsibility will be to help the team better what they did last year.”
Fernandes started his youth career with Dempo and Sporting Goa. In 2012, he joined Mumbai FC. The 30-year old made his ISL debut with FC Goa in 2014 and joined Mumbai City FC in the next season. Since then, the winger has played in I-League for Salgaocar, Churchill Brothers and East Bengal.
Sampingiraj comes in to the Pune fold after having an impressive outing for Bengaluru FC leading upto a national call for the U-23 side. The Karnataka born began his professional career with HAL and later signed with Pailan Arrows followed by a stint at DSK Shivajians (on loan).
After getting the young midfielder’s signature, FC Pune City CEO Gaurav Modwel said, “Shankar is a hard-working player, who is good on the ball and is technically sound. He comes with a lot of experience and I wish he has a great season in our colours.”
Sampingiraj made his India U23 debut against Uzbekistan in a 2016 AFC U23 qualifier in Bangladesh. The young midfielder appeared for Kerala Blasters FC in 2015 ISL season.