THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Mikaël Silvestre: No to India, yes to the US

Mikaël Silvestre - Portland Timbers v Dodsal FC

Mikaël Silvestre has decided to join MLS side Portland Timbers to end the speculations about his possible transfer to 2nd Divison I-League outfit Dodsal FC from Mumbai.

The 35 year old former Manchester United defender and French international was picked by Portland as they gave a first-round supplemental draft pick in 2014 and a conditional draft pick in 2015 to MLS rivals Sounders FC. The Frenchman was released by Bundesliga side SV Werder Bremen at the end of the 2011/12 season.

“Mikaël will bring a tremendous amount of experience and a presence on the field and in the locker room,” Timbers coach Caleb Porter said in an official press release by the club.

“He is a quality player on both sides of the ball and his impact will certainly go a long way in helping to solidify our backline. Mikaël made a very positive impression on the players and our coaching staff during his two-week trial and we are very excited to welcome him to the Timbers organization.”

The official announcement by the Portland Timbers means that the seasoned defender won’t join Dodsal FC contrary to his statements made last year. Silvestre had announced his transfer to the Mumbai-based club in October 2012 and he even said that he would join the ambitious Indian team in January 2013 [+ read more].

Dodsal FC never confirmed the deal but is known that both sides had talks on a possible transfer to India. A transfer to India would have been a great signal for Indian football in general and it would have been a boost for club football in the country.