Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC has signed India youth internationals Uttam Rai and Daniel Lalhlimpuia in its first team squad for ISL 2016. The 19-year-old striker Uttam has signed a one-year deal with Chennaiyin after the expiry of his contract at Goan outfit Dempo Sports Club while 18-year-old forward Daniel joins CFC on loan from I-League champions Bengaluru FC.
The two forwards has represented India at various age group levels and has played together upfront on some occasions including the final rounds of the 2012 Under-16 Asian Cup.
Uttam, who hails from Sikkim, got his early football education at the Namchi Football Academy. He was impressive in several youth tournaments before representing India youth teams and went on to have a stint at the IMG Soccer Academy in Florida. Uttam helped Dempo win back promotion to the I-League as the Goan club won the second division in 2016.
“Playing in the ISL will be a dream come true for me. I would like to thank the owners and the coach for giving me this opportunity. I am looking forward to learn and at the same time help Chennaiyin win the ISL again,” said Uttam.
Daniel, a youngster from Mizoram and spent six years at Chandigarh football academy before joining the AIFF Elite Academy. While at the AIFF Elite Academy, Daniel also captained India at U-19 level and went on to sign his first professional contract with Bengaluru last year. He played his part in Benglauru winning the 2015-16 I-League title with his first-ever I-League goal coming in the win over Mumbai FC.
“Last 7-8 months have been great for me and now I am looking to build on it by doing well for Chennaiyin in the ISL. I would like to thank both the Bengaluru and Chennaiyin management for making this move happen,” Daniel stated.
“We are happy to have signed two of the most talented young forwards in Uttam and Daniel. We believe in them to make a key impact in our title defence,” said Chennaiyin FC co-owner Mrs Vita Dani.
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