Chennaiyin FC sign ISL champion Mohammed Rafique

Chennaiyin FC continues to add strength to their team as they have signed the services of Hero Indian Super League winner Mohammed Rafique ahead of the new season, the club announced on their social media platform on Thursday.

Rafique will definitely add value to the team’s composition with his versatility on the football pitch. The midfielder had hogged the limelight when he had scored the winning goal for ATK in the maiden season of the Hero ISL 2014 final against Kerala Blasters in the injury time.

The 31-year-old veteran has the experience of playing in different positions and has played a total of 153 matches, including 65 ISL games, in his professional career.

Chennaiyin FC co-owner Vita Dani said: “We are very excited to see Mohammed Rafique in Chennaiyin blue. Across his illustrious career he has proudly represented the national team and scored the winning goal in the 2014 ISL final for ATK. We are also aware of the versatility he brings to the side and his experience will be invaluable for the younger boys in the squad.”

Meanwhile, Rafique has also played for the national team in 12 matches and he scored one goal and provided one assist for the Blue Tigers.

The midfielder was delighted to join hands with Marina Machans. “I’m really happy to join the Chennaiyin FC family. It is one of the best teams, two times champions. I will try my best to help the team,” Rafique said.

Rafique will make the move from SC East Bengal, for whom he played 16 matches in the previous season of the tournament and spend more than 1000 minutes on the pitch.

On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC could not qualify for the semifinal stages in the previous season as they only managed five wins in their 20 league stage matches. Thus, they finished at the eighth place in the points table and they will be determined to turn the tables in the next season.