Chennaiyin FC squad returns from training in Bangalore

Chennai: Indian Super League football team Chennaiyin FC squad on Saturday arrived in the city after completing three weeks of pre-season training in Bangalore.

Chennaiyin FC will now look forward to their first home game against Kerala Blasters on October 21 at the 40,000 capacity Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. "We are delighted to be finally here in Chennai. The boys have been gelling well and have already built up a great understanding," manager-cum-player and Italian World Cup winner Marco Materazzi said after arrival.

"It was also great catching up with co-owner Abhishek Bachchan in Mumbai. He is very passionate about football and we have something in common as both he and my son supports Chelsea. We look forward to have a great season in the Hero Indian Super League," Materazzi said.

The former France and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre was also excited to be finally in Chennai and said, "I have played all over the world but I am excited as ever to play in Hero Indian Super League especially in front of our home crowd in Chennai."

India's most capped player in ISL and Chennaiyin FC defender Gouramangi Singh asked the people of Chennai to turn up in large numbers. "We have been training hard in Bangalore but now that we are in Chennai, we will get more energy to train and perform. I hope to see big crowds at our stadium here and make the most of home advantage."

Chennaiyin's former Manchester United midfielder Bojan Djordjic added, "I know there are a lot of expectations from us but we are motivated by it and are aiming to achieve all our goals." Chennaiyin FC starts their Hero Indian Super League campaign with an away game against FC Goa on October 15.