Michael Soosairaj news: Odisha FC sign Tamil Nadu winger from ATK Mohun Bagan

The 27-year-old played a key role in the Kolkata outfit's Indian Super League (ISL) triumph, scoring 3 goals in 20 appearances during the 2019-20 season.

Michael Soosairaj has joined Odisha FC on a 2-year deal; Credit: Twitter/@soosairajmichal
By Sreejith C R | May 28, 2022 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Odisha FC has signed Michael Soosairaj on a two-year deal from ATK Mohun Bagan, the club announced on Saturday. The 27-year-old joined the Kolkata outfit in 2019 and went on to play a key role in their Indian Super League (ISL) triumph in the 2019-20 season. He was born in Eraviputhenthurai, Tamil Nadu and first moved to Chennai when he attended Madras Christian College. At the age of 10, Soosairaj started training with his local football club/academy St. Catherine FC, one of the oldest football clubs in the state. He participated in the inter-university tournament before joining Arrows FC of the CFA Senior Division. Soosairaj on his move to the Juggernauts, “I am so excited to have joined Odisha FC and I am looking forward to playing my first game at the Kalinga Stadium. I hope I give you guys my best and entertain you guys as well. Ama Team, Ama Game!”

Soosairaj scored 5 goals in 33 games for Chennai City FC

After spending two seasons with the Arrows FC, he joined another CFA senior Division side, Chennai City FC. he also represented Tamil Nadu in the Santosh Trophy. It was in Chennai City that he grew as a professional footballer and caught the attention of the big guns in Indian football. In 2016, Chennai City got entry into the I-League and that was the turning point in his career. Soosairaj was one of the star players in the squad and went on to captain them. The winger scored 5 goals and registered 4 assists in 33 appearances for Chennai City. 

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Soosairaj had a successful debut ISL season with Jamshedpur FC

ISL club Jamshedpur FC came calling in 2018 and Soosairaj joined the Red Miners. He had a successful debut ISL season, scoring 4 goals in 14 appearances for the Men of Steel. He was one of the standout players of the season, and as a result earned his first international call-up. He made his lone international appearance against Curacao in a friendly match in June, 2019. Before the start of the 2019-20 ISL season, ATK FC signed the youngster. Soosairaj went on to play a key role in the Kolkata-based club’s ISL triumph. His speed, ability to take on defenders and willingness to work his socks off for the team were pivotal to the team’s success under Antonio Habas.

Soosairaj suffered ACL injury in 2020

Soosairaj continued at the Kolkata-based club with the new merger between ATK FC and Mohun Bagan in 2020. Just when it looked like the youngster was on top of his game, during the opening game of the 2020-21 season against Kerala Blasters, he suffered an ACL injury and was ruled out of the entire season. The injury proved to be a downfall in his career as he played just 7 games after recovering from it. Meanwhile the emergence of Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh pushed him to the bench and cut short his playing time.

Soosairaj would be hoping to revive his career at Odisha FC

The Tamil Nadu footballer would be hoping to revive his career at Odisha FC and is in search of more game time. The Kalinga Warriors finished seventh in the ISL standings last season. Soosairaj’s addition will certainly add more flair and pace to their forward line consisting of Nandha Kumar, Jerry Mawihimingthanga among others. Club President, Raj Athwal had this to say on Soosai Raj’s signing, “We are delighted to have secured the services of a player of Soosai Raj’s calibre. We hope that he can contribute to our team’s success for the next two seasons, by putting in performances that we all know he is capable of.”





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