ISL: Chennaiyin FC rope in defender Narayan Das from SC East Bengal

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 29 (ANI): Indian Super League (ISL) side Chennaiyin FC on Tuesday confirmed the signing of left-sided defender Narayan Das on a two-year contract.
The 27-year-old joins after a season-long stint with SC East Bengal and is currently the second-highest capped player in the ISL with 107 appearances to date.
"I am really happy to join a champion team like Chennaiyin FC. My family and friends are also overjoyed. It is every player's dream to help his team win, and I am no different," said Das from his hometown in Bengal, after signing for the two-time ISL champions.
"I aspire to prove my worth, play every single game and help the club in fulfilling the quest for a third ISL title. Even as the opponent I have always enjoyed the atmosphere at the Marina Arena, and I want to tell our brilliant fans to keep supporting us, because it is their backing that gives us the extra motivation," he added.
Predominantly a left-back, Das is also capable of operating in central defence. And with over 200 senior career appearances for club and country, the Tata Football Academy graduate is an experienced campaigner who will fortify CFC's ranks greatly.
"We are really happy to welcome Narayan (Das) to the Chennaiyin family. All of us at the club are aware of his consistent performances over the years in Indian football, and we are excited to see him bring those qualities to the fold at CFC," said Chennaiyin FC co-owner Vita Dani after Das' arrival.
"As we strive for success, it will be imperative to bank on our Indian personnel, and Narayan (Das) ticks all the right boxes in that regard. I am certain he will fit in seamlessly into the team, and raise the level of our performances," he added.
After taking his first steps in professional football with All India Football Federation (AIFF) developmental side Pailan Arrows, Das signed for Dempo SC in the I-League. He was then picked by FC Goa ahead of the inaugural ISL season, and incidentally made his debut in a 2-1 defeat to CFC in both teams' first ever game.
Having played for India at the youth level, Das received his first national team call-up in 2013, making his debut against Nepal. He was a member of the 2015 SAFF Cup and 2018 Intercontinental Cup winning Indian teams; scoring his solitary goal for the country in a 4-1 win over Puerto Rico in a friendly in 2016. (ANI)