Former Indian football team midfielder Renedy Singh has joined Bulgarian top division league side CSKA Sofia for the rest of this season on loan from Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters.
The 35-year-old Renedy, who has played 70-odd international matches along with the likes of Baichung Bhutia from 1998 to 2011 before being dropped, becomes the first Indian footballer to sign for a Bulgarian top side.
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Founded in 1948, CSKA Sofia is the most successful club in Bulgaria. It competes in the A Football Group — the top division of Bulgarian football. The club is currently on top of the league table with 44 points from 19 matches.
The club confirmed the signing of the Manipuri footballer who has captained the national team in a few matches.
“Renedy, who is very popular in his country, will remain at the club until the end of the championship. Through this cooperation, the club aims to promote the brand CSKA and Bulgarian football in a fledgling market such as India, which is a great prospect for development,” the club said on its website.
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Renedy said he was happy to have joined a big club like CSKA Sofia.
“I am very happy to be here and sign for CSKA Sofia. It is a big club with a lot of history and pedigree. After the end of ISL, I wanted an opportunity to play and also learn the nuances of coaching.
“This is being made possible by coach Stoycho Mladenov and the club, whom I would like to thank for this great opportunity,” Renedy said.