Chennaiyin FC forward Rahim Ali has put pen to paper on a contract
extension that sees him continue at the club for two more years, CFC can
confirm.
The talented 21-year-old from Bengal will be aiming to build on a
breakaway 2020-21 Indian Super League season, having impressed with a string of
solid performances that also included two well-taken goals.
"I am really excited to continue my journey and learning with
Chennaiyin FC. I feel really good, having extended my stay at the club. I am
looking forward to getting back on the pitch in CFC colours. The last season in
Goa was one of immense experience and exposure. I am really grateful for the
opportunities I have received; that I got a chance to prove myself," Rahim
said after signing the contract extension.
"I will work extremely hard to be more involved in the coming
seasons and deliver for CFC. We can't take anything for granted in football. It
will be a fresh start. My message to the fans is that I really miss them. We
all at CFC miss them dearly. I am elated to further strengthen my bond with the
Chennaiyin faithful, and I along with the team do hope to bring joy to them in the
coming times. This is an extremely challenging period for all of us, and I only
hope they are all safe and doing well," Rahim added while sharing an
emotional message to the club's supporters.
A product of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Elite Academy,
Rahim joined CFC from their developmental side Indian Arrows in 2018, having
featured in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup a year prior. The India youth
international spent the following season on loan back at Indian Arrows, before
being handed his Chennaiyin debut during the memorable 2019-20 campaign that
saw the club reach a third ISL final in six years.
"We are immensely delighted to have Rahim (Ali) continuing his
journey and development with us. Last season he showcased the potential he
possesses, and we are excited to see him go from strength to strength in the
coming campaigns. Rahim (Ali) represents the present and future of Indian
football, and we are really happy to see him grow in CFC blue," said
Chennaiyin FC co-owner Vita Dani following the welcome development.
Rahim's stock has only risen in the last two ISL seasons, as he has
also shown the versatility to operate in the forward areas, even playing as a
winger on many occasions. He also led the line to good effect whenever called
upon to play that role, showcasing composure and guile on the ball, while
bagging goals against FC Goa and SC East Bengal last time out.
Exciting times lie ahead for Rahim and Chennaiyin as the budding
Indian attacker aspires to take his game to greater heights in the coming
years.
InessaslMl
Jan 21, 2023 21:57 [IST]