East Bengal FC announced the signing of Cameroon national team forward Raphael Messi Bouli until the end of the current season.
Messi Bouli joins the Red and Gold Brigade from Chinese League One club Shijiazhuang Gongfu on a free transfer.
Earlier, in 2019-20 edition of the ISL he played for Kerala Blasters FC and scored 8 goals. He had played in several clubs of Cameroon and China. In Cameroon, he played for FAP Yaounde, Canon Yaounde and APEJES, in Persian Gulf Pro League Messi played for Foolad FC. In China he played for Yanbian Funde, Heilongjiang Ice City, Liaoning Tieren FC, Nanjing City and Shijiazhuang Gongfu. He scored 69 goals in 173 club matches.
He represented the Cameroon national team on six occasions between 2013 and 2018.
“Raphael joins us at a very crucial juncture of the season. He has played for Kerala Blasters in the past, so he is a familiar face in Indian football. He brings with him a winning mentality. His physical presence, scoring ability and dedication will make him a valuable asset to the team,” said East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon on his latest acquisition.
“I am excited to join a popular club like East Bengal. I want to make a significant impact for East Bengal in the last phase of the ISL and the AFC Challenge League. I can’t wait to return to India and meet the passionate fans of East Bengal,” said Messi Bouli after signing for Red & Gold Brigade.
Picture Courtesy: East Bengal Media
