Panaji: FC Goa unveiled its 24 man squad at the training facility in Nagoa to a rousing welcome from fans and well wishers ahead of the first match of the Hero Indian Super League 2016.

There were huge cheers from the fans as each player’s name was called out. Fan favourites Romeo Fernandes, Mandar Rao Dessai, Gregory Arnolin and Rafael Coelho walked onto the ground to huge cheers. Marquee player Lucio who was retained for the second season expressed his delight at being able to come back for another year. Said Lucio “I am very happy to come back to a place like Goa where people are passionate about the sport,”.

With the Gaurs narrowly missing out on the title last year, the former Internazionale defender said he expects the side to try even harder this year. “We will try hard to win the title this year. Last year we were close. As a squad, we are trying hard in training to become better players. We want to bring joy to our fans and to the state of Goa,” he explained.

The club also unveiled the new kit design for the third season of the ISL. After sportswear giants Umbro were confirmed as the kit manufacturer, the club also unveiled Deltin Hotels as the principal kit sponsor for the third season.

FC Goa kick off their season with an away trip to Guwahati where they will face NorthEast United FC on 4th October 2016 before returning to Goa for their first home game against FC Pune City on 8th October 2016.

Squad List:

Lucimar Da Silva Ferreira (LUCIO)

Joffre Mateu Gonzalez

Subhasish Roy

Reinaldo Da Cruz Oliveira

Fulganco Cardozo

Gregory Arnolin

Robin Singh

Rafael Coelho

Luciano Sobrosa

Keenan Almeida

Pratesh Shirodkar

Denzil Franco

Sukhadev Patil

Raju Gaekwad

Debabrata Roy

Laxmikant Kattimani

Mandar Rao Dessai

Romeo Fernandes

Richarlyson Barbosa

Rafael Dumas

Trindade Goncalves

Sahil Tavora

Sanjay Balmuchu

Julio Cesar