Chennaiyin FC retains Manuele Blasi

The midfielder, who was capped eight times for Italy, had a stint at Italian third tier outfit Ischia after ISL 2015. He rejoins Chennaiyin on a free transfer.

Manuele Blasi made 13 appearances for Chennaiyin FC last season.

Defending champion Chennaiyin FC has retained experienced Italian central midfielder Manuele Blasi for the third season of the Indian Super League.

The former Roma, Juventus, Napoli and Fiorentina midfielder joined the club in 2015 after the expiry of his contract at Italian Serie B club AS Varese. He went on to play a key role in Chennaiyin’s title success, making 13 appearances including starts in both legs of the semi-final against Atletico de Kolkata and the final with FC Goa.

The midfielder, who was capped eight times for Italy, had a stint at Italian third tier outfit Ischia after ISL 2015. He rejoins Chennaiyin on a free transfer.

“Blasi’s class and experience was very important for us both on and off the field last year. He will have a big role to play this year also. We are happy to have him back,” said Chennaiyin FC head coach Marco Materazzi.

“I am delighted to join Chennaiyin for another season in the ISL. It was a memorable experience in India last year and achieving the target of winning the trophy was a great moment for me personally. I would like to thank the owners and the coach for giving me a chance to come back in this special club and I am looking forward to retaining the title,” said Blasi.