REPORT CARD: HOW THE ISL STARS FARED

GOOD ELANO

Arguably the most impactful marquee signing in the Indian Super League’s brief existence, Brazilian playmaker Elano won the title in 2015 with Chennaiyin FC, a year after helping the club top the league phase.

DIEGO FORLAN

Forlan hit the ground running immediately after moving to Mumbai City in 2016. The Uruguayan forward propelled the club to top spot in the league phase before being sent off in the first leg of Mumbai’s play-off loss to ATK.

BAD ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO

Unlike a few other marquee signings at the time, Del Piero was still an active footballer when he arrived in India in 2014. The legendary Juventus forward, however, struggled during the short season, scoring once in 10 games.

NICOLAS ANELKA

Frenchman Anelka played for Mumbai City in the first two seasons of ISL, the second as playermanager. He failed to leave a mark in either season, departing the club after Mumbai missed out on the play-offs in 2015.

UGLY FREDDIE LJUNGBERG

Two years after his retirement, the Swede was signed by Mumbai City in 2014. His lack of match fitness showed as he was never up to speed. After 170 minutes of action in the ISL, he finally called it a day.

ROBERT PIRES

Like Ljungberg, Pires had signed for an ISL club – FC Goa – having not played the sport for a long time, three years in his case. Despite Goa’s play-off qualification, Pires never made a telling contribution throughout the season.