ISL: Kerala Blasters sign French defender Cyril Kali

Two-time Indian Super League (ISL) finalists Kerala Blasters have added to their foreign contingent by wrapping up the signature of Cyril Kali for the 2018-19 season.

A central defender by trade, the French national has spent more than a decade in the Greek football league where he had turned out for clubs like Asteras Tripolis and AEL.

The 34-year-old arrives from Apollon Pontou after guiding them to a seventh-place finish in the Football League (Greek second division) last season. He started 18 league games and even scored a goal.

However, he picked up six bookings and a red card along the way but also helped keep eight clean sheets for his team in the campaign.
 

Kali becomes the first Frenchman to join Kerala Blasters since the exit of former captain Cedric Hengbart after the 2016 season. A product of the AJ Auxerre youth academy, Kali becomes the fourth official foreign addition for the club next season. He joins Nemanja Lakic-Pesic, Courage Pekuson and Keziron Kizito.

After conceding 22 goals last season and failing to make the playoffs, head coach David James seems to have recognised his side's Achilles Heel and got in another defender after the arrival of India international Anas Edathodika.

The Yellows begin their pre-season in style as they host a friendly tri-series involving LaLiga side Girona and A-League club Melbourne City FC from 24 July in Kochi.