Kolkata: Former ISL champions Chennaiyin FC completed the signing of the defensive duo, Mailson Alves and Henrique Sereno for the upcoming ISL 2017-18 season. Both the players have earlier won the ISL and signed on a free transfer.
Excited on acquiring the services of two former ISL winners, head coach John Gregory said, “We are very happy to have signed two winners who have proven themselves in the ISL already. It is great to have Mailson back at the club as he contributed so much to the success two years ago and had a fantastic season this year in Brazil. Sereno has an incredible CV with immense experience and was one of the best defenders in last season’s ISL. The duo adds strength in depth to our defence.”
Sereno, who started his career with Portuguese club O Elvas went on to play for clubs like Real Valladolid, FC Porto and Almeria in the top European leagues. He also was a part of the champions ATK side last season and played 10 matches for them, scoring one goal for the club in the final against Kerala Blasters in 2016.
The 32-year-old has also represented his country on two occasions, making his debut in the 1-0 friendly win against Croatia in 2013.
“I had a great experience last year in India and it was incredible to score in the final and lift the trophy. I am delighted with this chance of returning to India and signing for one of the best clubs in ISL. I am determined to experience that winning feeling again with Chennaiyin FC this season and can’t wait to play at the Marina Arena,” said the former ATK player.
Mailson Alves on the other hand, is a Brazilian defender who is making a comeback to his former club, having already played for Chennaiyin FC during their title winning campaign in 2015. He turned up NorthEast United FC in the last edition of the tournament.
Delighted on returning to his former club, Mailson said, “I can’t express in words how I feel about returning home. I always dreamt of reuniting with the club and thank the owners and coach John Gregory for giving me this opportunity again. The fans remained incredibly supportive even though I played for another ISL team last year and now I want to do everything to bring back the trophy to Chennai for them.”
The 29-year-old made a total of 12 appearances in his first stint with the club. He amassed another nine appearances for NorthEast United in 2016 and then joined Volta Redonda. He played 22 times for them before joining Chennaiyin FC for a second time.