ISL 2021-22 | SC East Bengal sign Australian defender Tomislav Mrcela

ISL 2021-22 | SC East Bengal sign Australian defender Tomislav Mrcela

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Tomislav Mrcela played for A-League side Perth Glory in the past two seasons

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SC East Bengal have secured the services of Australian defender Tomislav Mrcela ahead of the new season of the Indian Super League. The stopper represented A-League side Perth Glory in the past three seasons, having also been a part of the team that claimed the top-spot in 2018-19.

SC East Bengal’s dramatic entry into the Indian Super League meant their team-building process took a huge beating. However, starting with the transfer market deadline day, where the Kolkata-based club roped in a pool of domestic players, the ISL side has been on a shopping spree since then. 

Having roped in Slovenian midfielder Amir Dervišević as their first foreign signing last weekend, the red and gold brigade has added another weapon their arsenal by securing the services of Australian defender Tomislav Mrcela. The stopper played his last two seasons for A-League side Perth Glory and even helped them claim a top-place finish in 2018-19.

"I have got good feedback about the club. I have friends who have played in India and also know a thing or two about the club, and they tell me how big it is in this part of the world," said Tomislav Mrcela, after signing over the dotted line.

"I will look to add experience at the heart of the defence and take care of the locker room as well. The atmosphere within the team is very important and I will leave no stone unturned in doing what needs to be done for the team's benefit,” added the footballer.

Having played his youth career at Croatian club RNK Split, Tomislav made his senior debut for Jadran Kastel in 2009. Since then, the defender has played for several clubs in Croatia, before making a switch to the Korean second division side Jeonnam Dragons in 2016 and subsequently to Perth Glory and a couple of years later.

"I also know how passionate the fans are here and it's unfortunate that they can't be in the stands cheering us. We play for them and we will do everything we can to make them happy. I can't wait to start the season,” said Tomislav, who was named in Australia’s 23-man squad for their 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Kyrgyzstan. 

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