Jamshedpur have signed Indian defender Anas Edathodika for the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL). The 34-year-old makes his return to the Men of Steel after representing them in their debut ISL campaign in 2017-18.
Anas, a free agent following the end of his contract at ATK, sat out the entirety of the 2020-21 Indian Super League and will add some quality experience to Jamshedpur's defence line. "It's great to be back with Jamshedpur. I had a good experience in my previous season here where I felt the unconditional love of the fans," the 34-year-old said.
"I look forward to the new season and want to achieve success for the fans. I wish to complete my unfulfilled dream with the club by helping us win the ISL trophy. We missed out narrowly the last time I was here and want to make amends," Anas added.
Furthermore, Anas highlighted that head coach Owen Coyle was the reason that enabled him to secure a return to Jamshedpur. "The Gaffer along with my previous experience at the club were two great factors to make a return. Owen Coyle is a great coach. We all know what he has done and achieved in the past and I firmly believe that the club is going in the right direction under his guidance," Anas Edathodika said.
Anas has made close to 200 club appearances in the Indian Super League, cup competitions as well as in AFC competitions since making his professional debut in 2007. The defender has played for various top clubs like Mumbai FC, Pune FC, Delhi Dynamos, Mohun Bagan, ATK, Kerala Blasters FC and Jamshedpur. He made just 10 appearances in his first spell with the Men of Steel.
As a matter of fact, the 34-year-old defender was Jamshedpur’s first Indian signing and the club’s first-ever player selected in the ISL 2017-18 draft.
Jamshedpur head coach Owen Coyle elaborated how Anas’ signing would benefit the team. “Anas is a proven center-back with a wealth of experience playing in the top levels of Indian football for almost 15 years now. He is calm and composed under pressure and will be a valuable addition to the squad," the English manager said.
"Our objective is to continue what we achieved defensively last season. Lesser the goals conceded, the more the chances of winning and a player like Anas will give us that security,” Coyle added.
Anas will don jersey number 30 in the upcoming season and will link up with his new team-mates for their pre-season schedule.
Featured photo: Jamshedpur FC
