ISL: Chennaiyin FC signs Kyrgyzstan forward Mirlan Murzaev on one-year deal

Chennai: Two-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC (CFC) on Sunday announced the signing of Kyrgyzstan forward Mirlan Murzaev on a one-year deal ahead of the upcoming season. The forward becomes the first Kyrgyz player to feature in India’s premier football league. “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 in a media release. The six-feet tall striker is the second international recruit for the Chennai-based franchise ahead of the 2021-22 season. His addition will bolster CFC’s frontline with Jobby Justin and Rahim Ali already part of the squad. An experienced campaigner, Murzaev is currently the top goal-scorer for Kyrgyzstan and also the second most capped player with 48 international appearances.

Foreigner update ✅⏳
Announce Mirlan ✅😉

Adding more firepower with Mirlan 🔥#AllInForChennaiyin #VarugaMirlan #AattamAarambam pic.twitter.com/W5PUHBZnqb

— Chennaiyin F.C. (@ChennaiyinFC) August 1, 2021

Murzaev had struck a hat-trick 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 said, “As a leading scorer of his national team and with 100-plus career goals, the signing of Mirlan gives us a significant attacking boost and solidity in the front.” CFC’s head coach Bozidar Bandovic said, “My thoughts on signing Mirlan are very simple. Two words in fact. Quality. Personality.”