ISL 2019 | NorthEast United FC cuts ties with Bartholomew Ogbeche
The NorthEast United FC have announced that they have parted ways with striker Bartholomew Ogbeche much ahead of the start of the fifth edition of the Indian Super League. The Guwahati-based club had qualified for the semi-finals in the 2018-19 season and Ogbeche had played a crucial role in that.
Joining the club last year, Bartholomew Ogbeche became a crucial part of the think tank of the side in the previous season. The 34-year-old striker was their most important cog during the entire campaign and was very effective in the forward line of the team. Ogbeche was the highest-scorer for the team with 12 goals to his name in the season and was responsible for the Highlanders’ success last year.
“It’s always bittersweet to move on! We wish our 35-year-old striker Bart all the best for the future,” the club said on Twitter.
It’s always bittersweet to move on! We wish our 35 year old striker Bart all the best for the future.#NEUFC pic.twitter.com/B9TQOEUtIQ
— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) May 23, 2019
Ogbeche was also the second highest goal-scorer in the tournament alongside Mumbai City FC's Modou Sougou. Ferran Corominas from FC Goa was the highest-scorer in the league’s fifth edition.
After some brilliant performances on the pitch, Ogbeche had a tragic end to the season as he suffered a hamstring injury in the first half of NorthEast's semi-final first leg match against Bengaluru FC. This proved important in the away leg for the club as it lost to Bengaluru and failed to make it to the final of the tournament after losing to the Sunil Chhetri-led team.