Mumbai City FC striker Adam Le Fondre awaits ISL ‘adventure’

Having joined Indian Super League (ISL) side Mumbai City FC on a season-long loan from A-League club Sydney FC, Adam Le Fondre believes that his new team has a squad capable of lifting the ISL 2020-21 title.

“They are a very strong squad and I expect us to do really well,” the 33-year-old forward told the Olympic Channel.

“I wouldn’t have joined if I didn’t think we could win something,” adding: “The level of quality is very good.”

Adam Le Fondre was an instant hit in the A-League ever since joining Sydney FC in 2018. And it was no surprise that the former Reading and Wolverhampton Wanderers player chose to join the stream of players from Down Under in the ISL this season due to the post-pandemic changes.

“With the pandemic around the world, it’s changed the landscape of everyday life, let alone football,” Adam Le Fondre explained.

“In the A-League there was a lot of uncertainty about what would have happened after the season that just concluded. What would have happened with the (player) contracts and stuff.

“For me, I have three children and a wife. I wanted a little bit more security, and they (Sydney FC) couldn’t give me that. That time Mumbai came with a very interesting proposition and the challenge of doing something here is incredible. 

“It’s an adventure I took up and I really wanted to do it. I went to Australia without knowing much and without talking to many people. I sort of threw myself into it. That’s something that I plan on doing here as well.

“For me, it’s like, if I can do it in Australia, then why not in India. Look, football’s a universal language. It’s pretty much the same everywhere. They adjust to you and you adjust to them. You hope that you can impact the team and help them win,” Le Fondre pointed out.

A proven goal-scorer, Adam Le Fondre will have to wear his scoring boots quickly for a team that struggled to get enough goals last season. Mumbai City FC didn’t make it to the playoffs.

“If you are looking for one word, then ruthless,” the Englishman said, describing his style of play.

“I am very efficient in the box. I work hard. I am very much a team player but at the same time, I am selfish. As a goal scorer, you tend to be very selfish. I would say, I am an out-and-out goal-scorer and I plan on doing that here as well.”

With the established Bartholomew Ogbeche joining Adam Le Fondre in the attack, Mumbai City FC seems to have addressed their major concern from last season.

But the former Sydney FC star believes his role could grow beyond the pitch.

“I always tell that I am always there for players who want to know about my experiences or anything that I can help them with,” said Adam Le Fondre, who wrapped up the last A-League season as the second-highest goal-scorer in the league.

“That’s one thing about an older footballer -- when I go to a new place it’s about helping them as well. I hope I can do that here as well.”

Mumbai City kick off their new campaign against NorthEast United on 21st November.

You can see a full list of their confirmed ISL fixtures here.