Adam Le Fondre admits the chance to do something “incredible” at Mumbai City convinced him to broaden his horizons, speaking to the Olympic Channel after Sunderland’s interest came to nothing.
With Phil Parkinson and the Black Cats board plotting an escape from their League One prison at the third time of asking, the Daily Mail reported they turned to a man with a remarkable track record in the lower divisions.
Le Fondre scored goals at a prolific rate for Rochdale and Rotherham and even helped fire a Bolton Wanderers side coached by Parkinson back into the Championship three years ago.
No wonder Sunderland came calling when the wily poacher left Australia after 41 goals in 60 games for Sydney FC.
But Le Fondre couldn’t miss the opportunity to play in a third continent when Mumbai City offered him a fresh start in India.
“I have three children and a wife. I wanted a little bit more security and they (Sydney FC) couldn’t give me that. Mumbai came with a very interesting proposition and the challenge of doing something here is incredible,” the 33-year-old explains.
“It’s an adventure I took up and I really wanted to do it. I went to Australia without knowing much and without talking to many people. I sort of threw myself into it. That’s something I plan on doing here as well.
“I wouldn’t have joined if I didn’t think we could win something. The level of quality is very good.”
Despite snapping up a pair of proven League One forwards in Danny Graham and Aiden O’Brien, Sunderland have found the net just 14 times in ten matches so far in 2020/21. Only Charlie Wyke and Lynden Gooch have scored more than twice.
Could a lack of firepower cost the Black Cats promotion once more?
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