Chennaiyin FC new signing Jobby Justin is looking forward to a fruitful season with the club after signing a two year deal ahead of the eight season of the Hero Indian Super League. The 26-year old parted ways with previous season runners-up ATK Mohun Bagan despite the fact that he had one year left in his contract.
The striker also had an offer from Kerala Blasters but decided to join hands with the Marina Machans as he feels he will have more opportunities to be in the final XI for the club, which likes to play with three strikers.
Justin said as quoted by Sportstar, “I had offers from many clubs but I was more interested in playing in South India. But when the deal with Blasters fell through, I decided to opt for the Chennai side as I thought I had a good chance of figuring in the playing eleven as Chennaiyin usually plays with three forwards.
“I know quite a few Chennaiyin players personally so it won’t be a problem for me to blend with them. I am excited to join the club and I am looking forward to a fruitful season,” he said.
Meanwhile, Justin was ruled out of the entire Hero ISL 2019-20 for ATK Mohun Bagan due to ligament injury. Ergo, he will look to make a solid comeback while playing for Chennaiyin FC in the upcoming season.
“It was a bit disappointing to lose an entire season for injury, but you have to accept it. I started my rehabilitation last November and now I have recovered fully. After the lockdown-induced break I have now started training at the LIFFA Academy to keep myself fit before the pre-season camp of Chennaiyin FC,” he added.
On the other hand, according to the new ISL rules, teams will be restricted to play with only four foreign players in their playing XI, which will give more opportunities to the Indian players.
“The new rule will give a lifeline to strikers like me as I feel we have been sidelined as clubs always prefer foreign players as strikers. Now the clubs will be forced to play Indian players in key roles and it will help Indian football in the long run,” he said.