Two-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC (CFC) have signed Mirlan Murzaev on a one-year deal.
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Two-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC (CFC) have signed Mirlan Murzaev on a one-year deal. The forward becomes the first Kyrgyz player to feature in the premier football league. The six-feet tall striker is the second international recruit for the Chennai-based franchise ahead of the 2021-22 season. The addition of Mirlan will bolster CFC’s frontline, with Jobby Justin and Rahim Ali already part of the squad.
“I’m just very very happy to join Chennaiyin FC. I can’t wait for the training, and season to start. I look forward to representing all the fans from Tamil Nadu,” the 31-year-old said after the deal was finalised.
An experienced campaigner, Mirlan is currently the top goal-scorer for Kyrgyzstan. He is also the second most capped player with 48 international appearances. The footballer had struck a hattrick last month against Myanmar during Kyrgyzstan’s 8-1 victory in the qualifying match for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
CFC co-owner Vita Dani hailed Mirlan as a player whose addition provides a significant attacking boost.
“As a leading scorer of his national team [Kyrgyzstan] and with 100-plus career goals, the signing of Mirlan gives us a significant attacking boost and solidity in the front. We are pleased to welcome the first-ever player from Kyrgyzstan to Chennaiyin FC and the ISL,” she said.
In 2009, Mirlan had visited India during the Nehru Cup in New Delhi and also scored a goal against the hosts. His second goal against India came in Kyrgyzstan’s 2-1 win in Bishkek in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Qualification match.
Mirlan will be eager to make his mark during his maiden ISL outing and contribute to CFC’s chase for their third league title. The veteran’s decade-long experience will further come in handy.
CFC’s head coach Bozidar Bandovic used two words to express his thoughts on the addition.
“My thoughts on signing Mirlan are very simple. Two words in fact. Quality. Personality,” said Bandovic.
Mirlan began his professional career with one of Kyrgyzstan’s top clubs FK Dordoi Bishkek, during 2007-08 and went on to play for clubs like Lokomotiv Moscow II, Denizlispor and FK Kara-Balta. The footballer emerged as a top-scorer on his return to Dordoi in 2019-20, scoring 10 goals in 13 games and guiding the club to the league title. Mirlan has so far featured in 43 matches for Dordoi, which includes 21 goals and 10 assists.
The Chennai-based franchise recently signed striker Jobby Justin on a 2-year contract ahead of the 2021-22 Indian Super League (ISL) season. Justin made his debut in the popular football tournament with ATK in their title-winning campaign of 2019/20. The attacker made 10 appearances that season, with the following campaign not so kind. The Trivandrum-born footballer was ruled out with a ligament injury for the entirety of the Goa-based season. Justin was part of the newly christened ATK Mohun Bagan’s set-up.
“I am really happy to receive an offer from a renowned club like Chennaiyin FC. Being a South Indian, I always wanted to play for a south-based team and when a prestigious club like Chennaiyin FC came calling, it was an easy decision for me,” stated the attacker.
“I have a lot of expectations lined up with this signing and the most important one is being a part of the first team. Another important one will be to shower the club with as many achievements as I can. Finally, I would love to express all my love and gratitude to my family, friends, and most importantly to my fans who stood by me throughout my highs and lows,” added the footballer, who had made his national team debut during the 2019 Intercontinental Cup.
