Chennai: Two time Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC today announced signing of Tajikistan’s most capped international player Fatkhulo Fatkhulloev on a free transfer for the 2020-21 season.
The 30-year-old winger, who could operate on either flank, was all set for a first stint in India.
Fatkhulloev is central Asian country Tajikistanās most-capped international with 68 senior appearances so far, and he joins CFC after a spell at FK Khujand in the Tajik top flight.
The ISL guidelines for the new season stipulate each team to have at least one Asian player among their foreign contingent, and Fatkhulloev fulfils that criteria.
“I have heard a lot about Chennaiyin, seen many matches from previous seasons. CFC is one of the biggest clubs in India with fantastic fans. So when the opportunity arose to make the move, I didnāt think twice. I am really excited about meeting my new teammates and hopefully delivering a good brand of football with them, which helps us compete for the ISL title,” Fatkhulloev said from the city of DushanbeĀ in Tajikistan.
“In Fatkhulo (Fatkhulloev), we have signed an experienced professional who has proven his mettle for club and country. He is yet another player who fits our mould of versatility, capable of performing on both wings, and even down the middle’, Chennaiyin FC Head Coach Csaba LĆ”szlĆ³ said.