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ISL 2017: Chennaiyin FC sign former ATK midfielder Jaime Gavilan Martinez

Chennaiyin FC has signed Spanish attacking midfielder Jaime Gavilan Martinez for the 2017-18 season of the Indian Super League (ISL). The 32-year-old joins the 2015 ISL champions on a free transfer after the expiry of his contract at South Korean club Suwon FC.

Gavilan, a product of the Valencia youth academy, has represented Spain at various age group levels. He was part of Spain’s U-16 and U-19 Euro success in 2001 and 2004 and was also a member of the 2003 FIFA U-20 World Cup squad that lost to Brazil in the final.

The Spaniard was a part of La Liga side Valencia for four seasons but he spent most of his time on loan to Getafe and Tenerife. He has represented Valencia in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

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After his stint with the Los Che, the player sealed a permanent move to Getafe in 2008 and spent six seasons there. In 2014 he moved to Levante but soon joined Greek side Platanias. 

This is the second time Gavilan is taking part in the ISL. He had played for two times champions Atletico de Kolkata during the 2015 season. He made 15 starts for the Kolkata franchise, bagging three assists and helped them reach the semifinals, where they lost to eventual champions Chennaiyin FC 4-2 on aggregate. After leaving ISL, Gavilan has been playing for South Korea’s Suwon FC.

On roping in the experienced Spanish player, Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory said, “Gavilan has exceptional technical quality with a fantastic CV. He also has the past experience of having played in the ISL two years ago when he had a very good season. He will add great value to our team going forward.”

The player too was delighted to join the South Indian franchise. He said, “I am delighted to return to India and the ISL. I would like to thank Chennaiyin FC for giving me a chance to come back to India. I enjoyed my time here both on and off the field but this time I want to win the title. I look forward to giving my very best for Chennaiyin FC.”

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