Two-time Hero Indian Super League champions Chennai FC have signed the services of Indian midfielder Ninthoi Meetei before the eighth season of the tournament. The Marina Machans have signed Meetei on a three-year contract and thus the midfielder will stay at the club till 2023-24 season.

The 20-year old is delighted to join hands with Chennaiyin FC and he is looking forward to giving his best to the club.

“I am really feeling very happy to be a part of this club (CFC). This team has had that energy and spirit through all these years. I am looking forward to giving the team my best and I am very much excited to kick off with Chennaiyin FC,” the 20-year-old was quoted as saying in a press release.

The youngster from Imphal has impressed with his skills and he was part of India’s squad in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup which was hosted by India in 2017. Subsequently, Meetei bagged the best player award when India clinched their first U-18 SAFF Championship title.

CFC co-owner Vita Dani said, “We are very happy to bring in someone like Ninthoi. He is young but already has 24 ISL appearances under his belt and should help the team for years to come.”

Meetei started his football journey with Indian Arrows in 2017 after playing in AIFF Elite Academy. The youngster made 27 appearances for the I-League club during his two-year stay. The midfielder made his ISL debut for NorthEast United and played 24 matches for the Highlanders during his two-year stint at the club.

Chennaiyin FC head coach Bozidar Bandovic said, “Ninthoi is a quality young player with space to improve. Our target is to build, work and improve young domestic players because they are the future.”