ISL 2022-23: Chennaiyin FC sign Senegalese defender Fallou Diagne

Chennaiyin FC has secured the services of Senegalese defender Fallou Diagne ahead of the ninth season of the Hero Indian Super League 2022-23, the club announced on Tuesday. Diagne is Marina Machans’ first foreign signing ahead of the next season of the tournament.

The Senegalese defender recently represented Albanian club KF Vllaznia where he played under the tutelage of Chennaiyin’s new manager Thomas Brdaric. He won the Albanian Cup in 2021-22.

Chennaiyin FC co-owner, Vita Dani said: “We are thrilled to welcome Fallou Diagne as our first new foreign signing ahead of the upcoming season. It’s always good to bring in a player that the coach has worked with before. The experience he brings, having played in the German and French first-tier leagues, will be invaluable to our young squad.”

Diagne made his professional debut with Metz back in 2009 and he played 99 matches for the club. He also played 37 matches for Stade Rennais FC between 2014 and 2016 in Ligue 1.

The defender has scored a total of 16 goals in his professional career.

“Diagne is a very experienced player who should stabilize and lead the defense. He radiates a calmness on the ball and is also an absolute role model in terms of discipline and diligence. He will acclimate quickly and be an important part of the team,” Brdaric said of the club’s latest addition.

Diagne is delighted to join hands with Marina Machans and this will be his first stint in India. Diagne said, “I am excited because this is my first time in India. I am very happy to join Chennaiyin FC and I hope to bring something to the team so that together we win more titles.”

On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC could not qualify for the semifinal stages in the previous season as they only managed five wins in their 20 league stage matches. Thus, they finished at the eighth place in the points table and they will be determined to turn the tables in the next season.