Experienced defender Narayan Das joins Manolo Marquez’s FC Goa for a third stint

FC Goa have acquired the services of experienced defender Narayan Das to their roster for the upcoming 2023-24 Indian Super League season. He has signed a one-year deal with the club and surprisingly, this is his third stint with FC Goa.

The full-back was part of FC Goa’s inaugural squad in 2014 and later he returned for a second stint in the 2017-18 season.

“It feels great to be back. I played a lot of my football in Goa and this is my second home, my home away from home. Now that I’m back with FC Goa, I want to do my best here,” Narayan Das said after putting pen to paper.

Narayan Das brings in the experience that the Gaurs needed after they allowed Aibanbha Dohling to join Kerala Blasters.

The 29-year-old defender feels that a lot has changed at the club since he was last with them. But one thing that is common is the team management’s unwavering passion for strife for success and growth.

“A lot of things have changed since I was last here, but the similarities are the fans and the management. The fans continue to support us just like they have done right from the start, while the management is just as ambitious as they have always been. I’m excited to see the upgraded training facilities; we now have a set home training base as well as great support staff.

“This year, we have a reputed coach in Manolo Marquez who has worked wonders in Indian football, and I’m really looking forward to playing under him,” the West Bengal-born defender revealed.

FC Goa’s director of Football, Ravi Puskur shared that Das is someone who brings a wealth of experience to this young squad. “We are delighted to welcome Narayan Das back to the FC Goa family. With his wealth of experience, he brings a valuable blend of skill and resilience to our squad.

“As we embark on our tenth season in the ISL, we believe that Narayan’s presence will bolster our defence and contribute to our pursuit of success on the pitch. We look forward to witnessing his continued growth and achievements in the Club’s colours,” Puskur added.

Das is a Tata Football Academy graduate and began his professional career with Pailan Arrows. He moved to Dempo SC in 2012 and from there he joined FC Goa on loan in the inaugural 2014 season. He featured for the Gaurs in the 2017-18 season as well when the club reached the league semi-finals. He has played for teams such as East Bengal, Pune City FC, Delhi Dynamos, Odisha FC and Chennaiyin FC as well, across the I-League and the ISL.

He has 29 international caps for India and overall has featured in 45 appearances for FC Goa in his previous stints and will look to help the club in the tenth edition of the league.