Chennaiyin FC have confirmed the signing of defender Narayan Das on a two-year contract. The 27-year-old joins after a season-long stint with SC East Bengal. He is currently the second highest capped player in the Indian Super League (ISL). Das has recorded107 appearances till 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. I am no different. 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. I want to tell our brilliant fans to keep supporting us. It is their backing that gives us the extra motivation,” said the defender from his hometown in Bengal.

“We are really happy to welcome Narayan”

Predominantly a left-back, Das is also capable of operating in central defence. Having recorded over 200 senior career appearances, the Tata Football Academy graduate is an experienced campaigner. He 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. We are excited to see him bring those qualities to the fold at CFC. As we strive for success, it will be imperative to bank on our Indian personnel. 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,” said Chennaiyin FC co-owner Vita Dani after Das’ arrival.

Narayan Das enjoys vast experience

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. Interestingly, the defender made his debut in a 2-1 defeat to CFC in both teams’ first ever game.

Das then plied his trade at FC Pune City during ISL 2016, sandwiched between his stay at East Bengal in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 I-League campaigns, respectively. He returned to FC Goa following the 2017-18 ISL draft and helped them reach the semi-finals. The defender then turned out for Delhi Dynamos FC and Odisha FC before featuring again for his hometown club SC East Bengal in their debut ISL season last time out. Das also has seven assists to his name in the ISL.

Having played for India at the youth level, the defender 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.