Brazilian defender Eli Sabia rejoins Chennaiyin FC

Chennai : Indian Super League (ISL) title holders Chennaiyin FC on Saturday announced the signing of Brazilian defender Eli Sabia on a one-year contract.

The 29-year-old centre-back makes a comeback to the club, having made 11 appearances for CFC in the 2016 ISL campaign. He last played for Al-Raed FC in the Saudi Arabian top tier.

"I am very happy to return to Chennaiyin FC. I always felt at home during my first stint with the club, and I am looking forward to working with John (Gregory) and my teammates. I know many of the boys from before and can see that the family atmosphere within the club has remained intact," Eli said on his return to the southern club.

"Even though I moved to another country I had been following the team's fortunes last season so I am determined to help the club retain the title and can't wait to meet the fans back home in Chennai."

Head Coach John Gregory shared his satisfaction on the new signing, saying "Eli is physically strong and has a commanding presence at the back. He has played for the club before and knows what it means to be wearing these colours.

"He was playing in one of the top leagues of Asia and has all the qualities to play an integral role in our title defence."

The defender has already joined the pre-season training base of the two-time ISL champions in Malaysia and was presented the number 13 jersey by coach Gregory on Saturday.