Melbourne City has announced on their website, the signing of their very first esports player and football fanatic, 20-year-old Marcus Gomes. The football club becomes the first team in the league to sign and make moves into esports. Here’s what Marcus has to say on the signing:
“I started playing FIFA 2006 when I was nine, and I never could have imagined that the game would be where it is today, or that I would be signing a professional eSports contract with a club like Melbourne City.
“I have followed City for the last few years and I am really looking forward to wearing the City blue shirt at this year’s tournaments.”
Melbourne City CEO; Scott Munn has also:
“We know that many of our younger fans are playing eSports regularly, and interest in the industry is growing in Australia and globally. With 16 million people playing FIFA worldwide, and the competitive FIFA scene taking shape, it is the right time for Melbourne City to move into eSports.
“We see a huge amount of potential and ambition in Marcus. He is a huge football fan, has proven success as a player, and is passionate about representing Melbourne City and engaging with our fans.”
Marcus Gomes will travel to London representing Melbourne City this week at the FIFA Interactive World Cup Grand Final. Marcus is the only Australian player in the pool of 32 finalist from around the world.
Melbourne City joins AFL team, the Adelaide Crows whom signed up Legacy Esports (an organisation competing in multiple game titles) in the list of traditional sporting teams making moves into esports.