Indian National Football Team vice captain and Indian Super League’s Kerala Blasters midfielder Renedy Singh has joined Bulgarian outfit CSKA Sofia, on-loan till the end of the season.
The news comes just after the transfer of another Indian to a foreign club, with 22-year-old winger Romeo Fernandes joining Brasileiro Série A club Clube Atlético Paranaense.
A statement on the Red’s official website read:
Indian National Renedy Singh joined CSKA today, the club can announce. The 35-year-old last played in 2013, a year for the team of Shillong. The footballer, who is very popular in his country, will remain at the club until the end of the championship. He will gain experience in the activities of Stoycho Mladenov.
35-годишен индиец се присъедини към ЦСКА http://t.co/OvDHbfXeuB
— FC CSKA Sofia (@FCCSKA) February 26, 2015
The veteran midfielder, who appeared for the ISL finalists, becomes the first ever Indian to represent The Armymen. The 35-year-old, meanwhile, was elated to have joined the А Група side, who lead the league by 3 points.
“I am very happy to be here and sign for CSKA Sofia! It is a big club with a lot of history and pedigree. Back home in India people will mainly know Bulgarian legend Hristo Stoichkov for his time at FC Barcelona. He is a former CSKA player and coach or former EPL players Stiliyan Petrov and Martin Petrov, also players who have played here.”
Singh on his move expressed his happiness of getting to play again, also revealing his coaching desires.
“After the end of the ISL, I wanted an opportunity to play and also learn the nuances of coaching. This is being made possible by coach Stoycho Mladenov and the club, whom I would like to thank for this great opportunity!”
Manager Stoycho Mladenov, a legend himself during his time as a striker for the Sofia based club, has impressed Renedy, who can’t wait to get started under the 57-year-old’s tutelage.
“Club coach Stoycho Mladenov is a CSKA legend and someone with a lot of experience as a player and coach, not only here in Bulgaria, but also for his years in Portugal. This gives me a chance to work and learn from him.”
The Indian International becomes the third signing of the Bulgarian club, having also recruited Paulo Roberto Regulus and Bjorn Maarssen Johnsen from Olyanenze and Atletico Lisbon respectively.
By signing Renedy Singh, the Bulgarian club with the Manipur born veteran’s co-operation, aim to promote CSKA Sofia in India, who see the country as a ‘market for great prospect for development’
Midfielder Singh has represented Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Shillong Lajong in his 19-year playing career.
Quotes Courtesy: Goal