Mumbai City have released a statement following Oxford United's appointment of Des Buckingham as their head coach.

Buckingham leaves City Football Group-owned Mumbai City after signing a two-year extension at the end of the club's last campaign.

The 38-year-old has signed a long-term contract with the U's with his coaching team to be announced in the coming period.

READ MORE: Oxford United confirm Des Buckingham as club's new head coach

He led Mumbai City to the Indian Super League title last season putting together a record-breaking 18-match winning run.

During his tenure, his side also became to first Indian club to win two games at Asia’s premier club football competition, the AFC Champions League in his first season.

The season after the team sealed a place in the 2023 AFC Champions League group stage, the first Indian Club to secure consecutive qualification to the competition.

It is understood that the club agreed a compensation with Mumbai City for the services of Oxford-born Buckingham

Kandarp Chandra, chief executive of Mumbai City FC, said: “Des came into the Club in a period of transition and did incredibly well not just to help lay the foundations of an elite football club but also to achieve great success both domestically in the Indian Super League and continentally at the AFC Champions League.

"While we are sad to see him leave, Des wants to take up a project that is close back home in the English Football League.

"His contribution to Mumbai City cannot be understated and with best wishes for the future, we say goodbye to Des and look towards the next chapter for Mumbai City.”