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Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC returned to the city on Thursday afternoon after completing a month-long pre-season camp in Perugia, Italy.
This was the first batch of arrival from Italy with 18 Indian players and three foreigners – Eder Monteiro (Brazil), Eli Sabia (Brazil) and MacPherlin Dudu Omagbemi (Nigeria) – returning to the franchise’s home base along with first team assistant coach Syed Sabir Pasha.
Just like in 2015, the players received a warm welcome from over 100 passionate fans at the airport. The supporters brought flags, garlands and custom made banners and were in full voice while greeting the players with chants.
The players were overwhelmed with the grand response and delighted to finally return ‘home’ ahead of their title defence in the 2016 ISL.
Chennaiyin FC striker and 2015 ISL emerging player Jeje Lalpekhlua stated, “The SuperMachans showed today again why we have the best set of supporters in the ISL. Their support drove us to the title last season and this year too we want to make them happy and keep the trophy in Chennai.”
Chennaiyin FC’s new signing and local boy Nallappan Mohanraj added, “Signing for Chennaiyin was a dream come true and today was another special day for me as I was received at the airport by our incredible fans in my home city. We had a very good pre-season and now looking forward to playing in front of our fans at the Marina Arena.”
Another new signing Dudu said, “Previously I had only heard about the great support Chennaiyin enjoys and today I experienced it. A big thank you to the fans for coming out in large numbers just to receive us. I can’t wait to go out and perform for them.”
The remaining foreign players, head coach Marco Materazzi and his Italian coaching staff will be reaching the city on Monday morning with the training commencing later that evening.
Like in 2015, Chennaiyin FC’s pre-season training base this year also was at Stadio Ellera, Corciano in Perugia, Italy with CFC playing four practice games against local club sides during their stay in Italy.
The ISL holders played Paolo Rossi Academia twice and won the games 3-1 and 4-3 respectively. They also defeated Gualdo Casacastalda 1-0 and ASD Torgiano 4-2.
Chennaiyin FC start their 2016 ISL campaign with an away game against Atletico de Kolkata on October 2. Their first home game is against Delhi Dynamos at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on October 6.
The online ticket sales for Chennaiyin’s seven home games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium have started. There are five different categories – Rs 150, Rs 200, Rs 250, Rs 300 & Rs 500 – and can be purchased online here in.bookmyshow.com/chennaiyinfc
