East Bengal FC has extended the contract of their star Brazilian forward and club captain, Cleiton Silva. The Brazilian has been quite instrumental for the team in the recent past and he has penned a new contract now that will keep him with the club until the end of the 2024-25 season.
Silva has made a deep impact at East Bengal since joining the side from Bengaluru FC in 2022 and has made 55 appearances to date, netting 27 goals and eight assists, peppered with eight braces, thereby turning out to be an indispensable player for the Red & Golds.
He has been the top scorer in East Bengal’s triumphant Kalinga Super Cup campaign earlier this year. Silva also holds the record for the most goals scored in the Indian Super League for the club.
He was quoted expressing his delight after his contract extension: “I am very happy to extend my connection with this great club. I have always given my best to our fans and our badge. The win in the Super Cup with East Bengal will always be one of the most glorious moments of my career. Long season coming ahead. Keep supporting us as always. Joy East Bengal.”.
Head Coach of East Bengal FC, Carles Cuadrat, was also ecstatic about this extension. “Cleiton is our top scorer for the last two seasons. He leads the team by example. His goals have given us important victories and the East Bengal fans shall never forget the extra-time winner in the Super Cup final when we ended our twelve year trophy drought at the national level.”. Delighted to be able to continue with a professional of his caliber,” Cuadrat said.
The leadership and goal-scoring exploits of Silva turned out to be vital in East Bengal’s historic Super Cup win, where his extra-time strike sealed the title to end a 12-year trophy drought at the national level. That victory is celebrated as one of the most significant moments in the club’s history.
Furthermore, the contract extension also strengthens their attacking forces at East Bengal, as it becomes the club with the top scorers of India’s three major domestic tournaments: Dimitrios Diamantakos, ISL; Cleiton Silva, Kalinga Super Cup; and David Lalhlansanga, Durand Cup. This trio is eyeing an enhanced competitive edge in the outfit for the forthcoming season.
As much as Silva has been the revelation, making him a fan favourite, he will continue to be there to inspire teammates and supporters. The club and its fans look toward another successful season under the leadership of Silva from the front line.
