Gregory NelsonGetty

ISL 2017: Chennaiyin FC sign Dutch winger Gregory Nelson

Indian Super League (ISL) side Chennaiyin FC have completed the signing of Dutch winger Gregory Nelson for the upcoming season.

The Dutchman has joined the Chennai based outfit on a free transfer after his contract with Bahranian side Al Muharraq expired.

The Amsterdam-born Nelson came up through the youth ranks of Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar. The winger made his professional debut for the senior side at the age of 18 against Heracles Almelo.

Article continues below

The 29-year-old was snapped up by RBC Roosendaal in 2009 on a loan with an option to buy. The option to purchase was activated by his new employers but the winger was released from his contract the following season.

After six months without a club, Nelson signed for Bulgarian giants CSKA Sofia in 2010 where he spent 18 fruitful months winning the domestic cup and taking part in the UEFA Europa League.

In January 2012, the Dutchman joined Ukranian club Metalurh Donestk on the three-and-a-half year contract. Nelson featured for the Ukranian giants in the Europa League while also reaching the finals of the domestic cup.

Nelson returned to the Bulgarian top division in 2015 when he signed for Botev Plovdiv where he spent one season making 14 appearances and scoring four goals. At the end of the season, the winger joined Kazakhstan Premier League side FC Kaisar but his contract was terminated early due to personal reasons.

Gregory NelsonGetty

He then signed for Bahranian powerhouses Al Muharraq in January 2017 where he has featured heavily in the AFC Cup.

Upon signing the Dutch winger, Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory said, “Nelson is a highly accomplished player with a fantastic CV. He will add plenty of quality and variety to our attack. After a very good career in Europe he recently had a very impressive season in Bahrain and looks very well equipped to flourish in the Indian Super League.”

Nelson himself expressed delight in signing for the 2015 ISL champions.

“I would like to thank the club Chennaiyin FC and coach John Gregory for believing in me. Lot of my friends from Dutch football have played in the ISL and have given me positive feedback. Football in India is growing and I am really looking forward to be a part of it and of course help Chennaiyin win back the championship,” Nelson said.

Advertisement