AGENCIES CHENNAI: Chennaiyin FC bolstered their midfield with the addition of former Italian International, Manuele Blasi for the upcoming season of the blockbuster league.
The dynamic central midfielder will compliment the Southern side’s strong midfield which already comprises the likes of Elano, Bruno Pelissari and Raphael Augusto besides player-manager Materazzi himself.
Interestingly, Blasi shared the dressing room with World Cup winner Materazzi when they were both part of Perugia in the 2000-01 season in Serie A.
The man who has eight caps for the Azzurri, started his career in the top flight with Roma before joining Perugia in 2000. After two seasons, he joined Italian giants Juventus but could only make 40 appearances in five seasons.
In fact, he even slotted in at right back, with competition for midfield positions intensifying with the signing of Patrick Vieira.
He also turned out for Napoli, after they won back promotion to Serie A besides loan stints with Palermo, Fiorentina and Lecce among others.
He last played in Serie A with newly promoted side Pescara before spending the last two seasons with Serie B outfit, AS Varese 1910.
Materazzi was hopeful that the young Indian players in the side would get to learn a lot from the experienced 35-year-old.
“We are very happy that Manuele has signed for our club. Manuele is a player I know very well, having played with him as well in the Italian national team. He has played for some of the biggest clubs of Italy and in high profile matches for club and country. He will bring plenty of quality and experience to our team. He has all the attributes of a top central midfielder and that is exactly what we were looking for. I am sure the younger players in the team, especially the Indians will get to learn a lot from him and he will definitely make a big difference on the pitch individually also,” said the Chennaiyin FC gaffer.
Blasi meanwhile was excited about his new adventure and said that it did not take him long to arrive at this decision.
“I am looking forward to play for Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League. Following a discussion with Marco about the club and league in general, it didn’t take me long to make my decision. Marco told me about the fantastic environment he gets to work at Chennayin FC with full support from the owners, management and of course the supporters. I am very excited about this venture at this stage of my career. I will try to help the rest of the team with my experience and hopefully we will have a successful season together,” said the former Juventus midfielder.
