Chennaiyin FC signs defender Pritam Kotal on a two-and-a-half-year contract
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Synopsis
Chennaiyin FC has signed Pritam Kotal, an Indian international defender, on a two-and-a-half-year deal from Kerala Blasters FC. Kotal, who has over 50 international caps, aims to strengthen the team's defense and contribute to their success in the upcoming matches.
Key Takeaways
- Pritam Kotal joins Chennaiyin FC on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
- He has over 50 caps for the Indian national team.
- Kotal has played crucial roles in past ISL seasons.
- His leadership was evident in his captaining of Mohun Bagan.
- Head coach Owen Coyle is excited about Kotal's potential impact.
Chennai, Jan 19 (NationPress) Chennaiyin FC have finalized the acquisition of Indian international defender Pritam Kotal from Kerala Blasters FC on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The 31-year-old has already earned over 50 caps for the national team during his international career.
A flexible defender capable of playing in various positions in the backline, Kotal joined Chennaiyin after spending the last 18 months with Kerala, which included participating in 14 matches during the initial phase of the ISL 2024-25 season. The defender has already begun training with the club and is anticipated to make his debut shortly.
Kotal, a pivotal figure in Indian football, has consistently performed at a high level since the ISL kicked off in 2014. Hailing from West Bengal, his youth career started with Chirag United before he made his mark in the I-League. Kotal later transitioned to the ISL, becoming an essential player for various teams and adding league titles from the 2016 and 2019-2020 seasons to his growing collection of accolades.
Aside from his skills and accolades, Kotal is also recognized for his leadership on the field. He has previously captained Mohun Bagan Super Giant, guiding them to eight consecutive victories in the Kolkata derbies.
Upon his arrival, Kotal expressed, "I am extremely glad to be here and a part of the Chennaiyin FC family. The coach made it clear that he wanted me in his team, so when the offer came, I had no hesitations in joining. This is an excellent team with a strong playing style. My aim from now on is to strive for victory in every match and aim for the playoffs."
"Coach Coyle has been with the club for several years; he understands the league and the Indian players well. The players also hold him in high regard. I am committed to giving my all on the pitch and thrilled to play under his guidance," Kotal continued.
Internationally, Kotal made his senior debut in 2015 and has been a consistent presence in the Indian national squad since. He played a vital role in India’s triumph at the 2016 South Asian Football Federation Championship and participated in the 2018 Intercontinental Cup and the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Having represented India across various age groups, Kotal was honored with the AIFF Emerging Player of the Year award in 2015.
Head coach Owen Coyle expressed his satisfaction with Kotal’s signing, stating, "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Pritam to our football club. He is a player who has competed at the highest level and has represented India over 50 times. He has been a champion in the league, and his leadership qualities complement his footballing skills. He is very ambitious. I spoke to him extensively; he is eager to join the club, assist the younger players, and demonstrate his talent."
"This is a great match for the club. A remarkable character, a leader, and he will undoubtedly provide support to the team in the second half of the season," Coyle added.
