Chennaiyin FC signs Mailson, Sereno

Brazilian Mailson Alves will join Chennaiyin FC after the end of his contract at Brazilian third tier outfit Volta Redonda while Portuguse Henrique Sereno has signed after a short spell with Spanish second tier outfit Almeria.

Published : Sep 15, 2017 18:40 IST , CHENNAI

Mailson Alves (left) made nine appearances for NorthEast United in the 2016 ISL and then went on to join Volta Redonda in January 2017. He previously made 12 appearances for Chennaiyin FC in 2015.
Mailson Alves (left) made nine appearances for NorthEast United in the 2016 ISL and then went on to join Volta Redonda in January 2017. He previously made 12 appearances for Chennaiyin FC in 2015.
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Mailson Alves (left) made nine appearances for NorthEast United in the 2016 ISL and then went on to join Volta Redonda in January 2017. He previously made 12 appearances for Chennaiyin FC in 2015.

 

Chennaiyin FC has signed defenders Mailson Alves and Henrique Sereno for the upcoming season of the Indian Super League. Both central defenders have signed for the 2015 ISL champions on free transfers with Brazilian Mailson joining after the end of his contract at Brazilian third tier outfit Volta Redonda while Portuguse Sereno has signed after a short spell with Spanish second tier outfit Almeria.

Mailson returns to Chennaiyin FC after having won the title in 2015 when he made 12 appearances. Sereno lifted the ISL trophy with Atletico de Kolkata last season and also scored in the final besides being adjudged the Hero of the match.

Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory said he was happy to have the duo. “We are 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,” he added.

Mailson said it was a dream come true to play for Chennaiyin FC again. “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,” said an emotional Mailson.

Sereno spoke about his experience in the league. “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 the ISL. I am determined to experience that winning feeling again with Chennaiyin FC this season and can’t wait to play in Chennai,” he noted

The 29-year-old Mailson made nine appearances for NorthEast United in the 2016 ISL and then went on to join Volta Redonda in January 2017. He made 22 appearances for Volta this year before returning to Chennaiyin FC for a second spell.

The 32-year-old Sereno has played twice for the Portuguese senior national team and won the Portuguese league and cup double with giants FC Porto in 2010-11. He has also had spells in the top tiers of Spain (Real Valladolid), Germany (FC Koln & Mainz) and Turkey (Kayserispor).

In last season’s ISL Sereno made 10 appearances for ATK with his only goal being the equaliser in the final which ATK went on to win after a penalty shootout against Kerala Blasters.

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