Forward Rahim Ali renews Chennaiyin FC stay to 2023

Chennaiyin FC forward Rahim Ali has put pen to paper on a contract extension that sees him continue at the club for two more years.

Rahim is a product of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Elite Academy. (Image Credit: Twitter/@IndSuperLeague)
By Arnab Mukherji | Jun 18, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Chennaiyin FC forward Rahim Ali has signed a contract extension that will see him continue at the club for two more years. The talented 21-year-old from Bengal will be looking to build on a breakaway 2020-21 edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). He impressed with a string of solid performances that also included two well-taken goals. Rahim is a product of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Elite Academy, having joined CFC from their developmental side Indian Arrows in 2018, after featuring in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup a year prior.

“I am really excited to continue my journey and learning with Chennaiyin FC. I feel really good, having extended my stay at the club. I am looking forward to getting back on the pitch in CFC colours. The last season in Goa was one of immense experience and exposure. I am really grateful for the opportunities I have received; that I got a chance to prove myself,” said Rahim after signing the contract extension.

“I will work extremely hard to be more involved in the coming seasons and deliver for CFC. We can’t take anything for granted in football. It will be a fresh start. My message to the fans is that I really miss them. We all at CFC miss them dearly. I am elated to further strengthen my bond with the Chennaiyin faithful, and I along with the team do hope to bring joy to them in the coming times. This is an extremely challenging period for all of us, and I only hope they are all safe and doing well,” he added, while sharing an emotional message to the club’s supporters.

“Immensely delighted”

Chennaiyin FC co-owner Vita Dani expressed a sense of delight after the announcement, hailing his performances last season.

“We are immensely delighted to have Rahim (Ali) continuing his journey and development with us. Last season he showcased the potential he possesses, and we are excited to see him go from strength to strength in the coming campaigns. Rahim (Ali) represents the present and future of Indian football, and we are really happy to see him grow in CFC blue,” she said.

Rahim’s stock has only risen in the last two ISL seasons. He has shown the versatility to operate in the forward areas, even playing as a winger on many occasions. The attacker further led the line to good effect whenever called upon to play that role, showcasing composure and guile on the ball. Some of the most noteworthy goals by Rahim were against FC Goa and SC East Bengal last time out, which is certainly exciting for the player and Chennaiyin as the budding Indian attacker aspires to take his game to greater heights in the coming years.

Chennaiyin FC had won the ISL in 2015 and 2017-18. They were further the first ISL team to qualify for the AFC Cup. It will be interesting to note their performances in the upcoming campaign of the popular football tournament.