Chennai City terminates contracts of 4 overseas players

Although Chennai City is yet to make an official announcement, Eslava and Nauzet, both part of the title-winning team in 2018-19, revealed the information through their social media handles. While all the Spaniards in the squad have been shown the door by the management, Japanese Katsumi Yusa is still a member of the club.

Eslava, Sandro and Fito had contracts until the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, with Nauzet’s expiring at the end of August this year. “The club decided to break my contract. Thank you for the previous season (in which the side emerged victorious in I-League). When things are done right, everything is possible. Thank you to my mates; it has been a pleasure [to play with you guys],” Eslava wrote on his Instagram account.

The 32-year-old, a rock at the back for the last couple of seasons, also took a dig at the club. “It is time to look for a new place where my work will be respected and cherished,” he expressed his frustration. Custodian Nauzet, a darling among the Chennai City fan clubs, penned a farewell message and shared the same on Instagram and Twitter.

“Neither did I think this time would come nor did I expect it at a situation as delicate as this. I am no more a player of CCFC as the club decided to terminate my contract. I would like to thank the supporters, who are the most important part of the club,” wrote Nauzet, by far one of the best goalkeepers in the league.

“Anyone who knows me well would be aware of how intense my one-and-a-half years at CCFC were. I gave my best in every practice session and match. I was part of a historic competition and it is now time to look for new challenges and opportunities,” he said. Among the four players, Eslava turned out the most number of times for Chennai City, making 33 appearances across all competitions.

Nauzet, 2018-19 gold medallist Sandro and summer signing Fito put on the orange jersey 28, 23 and 14 times respectively during their stay.