MARQUEE MANIA: Chennaiyins show wisdom and faith in retaining Elano

CHENNAIYIN FC CHOSE TO RETAIN their marquee player for the second season of ISL which kick starts in October. The 34-year-old former Brazilian star, Elano Blumer, commonly known as Elano, was a huge hit among the fans in the first edition.

The decision makes sense because his performance in the first edition has raised the expectations of the fans to another level. He finished as the top scorer of the league with eight goals, most of it coming from free kicks.

If he was the one behind the ball to take the shot, it was sure that the ball would meet the inside of the net. CFC finished the league as table toppers before they were ousted in the semi-finals by Kerala Blasters FC. But throughout the league the team had been impressive with their performance, and Elano was leading them from the front.

Though a big name like the former Italian player Materazzi was their player-coach in the first edition, Elano stole the show and proved that on field skills will always win matches and also the hearts of the fans. With a playing style that emanated the classic Brazilian flavour of the game, he did not disappoint and throughout the tournament gave his best whenever he came on the field.

He also proved that age is just a number; at 34 he seemed more fit and full of pace than most youngsters in his team.

After he finished his stint at CFC, he joined Santos again to begin his third stint at the club. He was used sparingly over there, featuring in 5 matches for them. But more than the playing time he got, what is important is that he has constantly been in training and won't be coming out of the couch when he returns on loan to CFC. It won't be unreasonable to expect him to continue his good form.

He has left a mark on every fan by having various records to his name in just the first ediiton. He was the first marquee player to score a goal. It came in the match against FC Goa and yes, you guessed it right, it was a free kick.

The other match where his heroics was in the forefront and because of which Chennaiyin won was a match against Mumbai City FC, where the former romped home 5-1. Out of the five goals, Elano scored two and assisted the other two.

Elano is thrilled to be back for the second time,

"I am thrilled to sign for Chennaiyin FC to play in the second season of ISL. I have fantastic memories of my first season in India."

Just like the fans would be expecting from him he too expects the fans to come in number yet again and show their support just like they did the first time,

"I really enjoyed performing in front of some great support especially in our Marina Arena in Chennai. I credit my individual success to the wonderful support I received from the entire Chennaiyin FC family starting from the owners, management, teammates and of course the passionate fans of CFC."

He is also determined to take Chennai to the finals and win it for them this time unlike last season where they just finished as table toppers but without a trophy,

"I am already looking forward to the second season and determined to make Chennaiyin FC the ISL champions this time."

Elano has had an exciting career just like any other international soccer player. The former Shakhtar Donetsk, Manchester City and Galatasary has also been part of his national side that won the 2007 Copa America and 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. 

He has also been hailed as one of the best players for Manchester City in the Premier League from 2007-2009. 'Vavel', the international sports newspaper has listed Elano as the eighth best player among the top 10.

The golden boot winner is expected to repeat his heroics in the second edition too, may be play even better so that this time the team can go ahead of the last four.