Chennaiyin FC has announced that the club has parted ways with defender Inigo Calderon. The Spaniard leaves the two-time Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) champions after spending a year and a half with the team.
The announcement was made through a video of Calderon posted on Chennaiyin’s social media channels, where the Spaniard revealed that he will be leaving the club because of ‘personal reasons’.
You may have been here just a year and a half, but the moments you’ve allowed us to have, will remain forever.
Chennaiyin mutually part ways with club favourite @I_CALDERON_14.
Here’s a message from him.#NandriCalde #PoduMachiGoalu pic.twitter.com/kgfefVLEmU
— Chennaiyin FC 🏆🏆 (@ChennaiyinFC) 29 January 2019
The versatile Spanish defender joined the club ahead of the 2017-18 Hero ISL campaign and was an instant favourite among Chennaiyin fans. He quickly established himself as one of the pivotal figures in the team and helped Chennaiyin to their second Hero ISL title.
The Spaniard featured in 20 matches during Hero ISL 2017-18, notching up some impressive numbers – 3 goals, 50 successful tackles, 25 interceptions and 100 clearances. However, it was his experience and leadership skills on the pitch which proved to be his biggest strength. The Spaniard was also awarded the Fittest Player of the League for his commanding displays throughout the season.
Despite Chennaiyin’s poor run during the 2018-19 campaign, Calderon made 12 appearances for the team and even scored once. Whether or not Chennaiyin will opt to rope in a replacement for the veteran defender before the January transfer window shuts remains to be seen.
(Image Courtesy – ISL Media)
