During the Indian Super League (ISL) 2019-20, Chennaiyin FC supporters were in for a treat as the club’s creative midfielder Rafael Crivellaro served up golazos at the Marina Arena. But because of the coronavirus pandemic, neither will the fans be present nor will the Brazilian baller take the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai by storm in ISL Season 7.
Chennai:
To ensure a safe event amid the global health crisis, tournament organiser Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) has decided to hold the entirety of ISL 2020-21 in Goa. All fixtures will be hosted behind closed doors in three venues, with the players and officials of the participating teams being put up in a bio-bubble.
Crivellaro, who recently signed a one-year contract extension with Chennaiyin, emphasised that everyone has to be mentally prepared for what is ahead. “It will be a unique experience. We will have to be extra cautious about our health and well-being,” he said.
“We are used to staying in hotels for long periods (when a season is on). The next edition of ISL will be similar, but we won’t be around our fans and in our city of Chennai. However, it is what it is and we will have to accept it,” added Crivellaro, whose 15 goal contributions - seven goals and eight assists - were vital for CFC’s silver-medal finish last term.
Following an impressive individual campaign, Crivellaro was a sought-after man in the transfer market and reportedly had a number of offers on the table. But, the 31-year-old was more than happy to pen an extended deal with the two-time ISL title-winner.
“Chennaiyin opened the doors to me in 2019 and my first experience in India was fantastic. The nature of our comeback in ISL Season 6 was great, but the outcome in the final was not satisfactory. So, that is providing motivation to succeed in the new season,” explained Crivellaro, assuring the followers that the club would act wiser in the upcoming edition.
“ISL is a very competitive league and we at CFC know the importance of momentum. Last season, a lot of us were new to the team and we needed time to find the rhythm. But this time around, we hope to hit the ground running when the competition begins.”
As a lot of domestic players and his compatriot Eli Sabia have been retained by Chennaiyin, Crivellaro is eager to link up with them once again. “It is always good to have known faces (at the club). More importantly, what matters is that we are used to playing with each other. And, continuity means a lot,” said Crivellaro.