In reinforcing their squad, Sporting Clube de Goa have announced the signing of left back Nallappan Mohanraj from the recently disbanded Mumbai Tigers, at the SCG office Head-quarters in Campal, Panjim, on Wednesday.

“It is a fantastic moment in my career to be signing for the Flaming Oranje. I would like to thank the SCG President Mr. Peter Vaz, manager Angelo Albuerquerque, coach Oscar Bruzon and the players for making me feel welcome,” stated Mohanraj.

Mohanraj is just 18 days shy of his 25th birthday, but has already clocked up substantial playing time after initially starting his career with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

He enjoyed a very successful stint with Mohun Bagan where he won the Federation Cup in 2008, followed up with the ONGC Super Cup and runners-up in the I-League in 2009. Last season with Pune FC he picked up yet another I-League runners-up medal and is determined to go one step further with Sporting Clube de Goa.

The highlight of Mohanraj’s career so far, was lifting the Nehru Cup with the Indian national team in 2009.

He has also proven leadership qualities, having been the captain of the India U-18 team that toured Germany and played against the Academy teams of VfB Stuttgart, FC Augsburg and TSV 1860 Munich, before participating in the 2007 AFC Under-19 Championship in Iran.

“Mohanraj is a respected national player. He has fitted in comfortably with the rest of the squad which is very important and I feel he has the intelligence to pick up our game model very quickly,” reasoned Sporting Clube de Goa coach Oscar Bruzon.

In international football he models himself on Chelsea and England left back Ashley Cole and hopes to show consistency like his idol.

“This is an exciting day for all of us, as we are confident Mohanraj will be an asset to the squad,” remarked Sporting Clube de Goa President Peter Vaz. “We may look to bring in another player before the transfer window closes.”

Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Mohanraj is a huge Rajnikanth fan and by the end of the season he hopes to be dancing all the way to the title.