Chennai, Sep 13: Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC have added a new foreigner in their squad after they signed Dutch winger Gregory Nelson for the 2017-18 upcoming season, the club has confirmed.

The Dutch attacking player was a regular in Bahranian side Al Muharraq however after his contract expired this season, the 29-year-old decided to join the Chennai based side on a free transfer.

Nelson is an academy product Dutch First Division team AZ Alkmaar and has already represented his country in three international formats at U-17, U-18 and U-19 levels. He made his debut for Alkmaar at the age of 18, however, could not establish himself in the former Eredivisie winner's squad. He later made a loan move to RBC Roosendaal in 2009 with a permanent deal later but was soon released by the club the following season.

The winger then moved to Bulgarian giants CSKA Sofia in 2010 and in one and half year there, he showed his talents and helped his team to win the domestic League cup and qualified for the UEFA Europa League.

Later in his career, he also had played for top tier clubs in Ukraine and Kazakhstan with the likes of Metalurh Donetsk and FC Kaiser. He only signed for the Bahrain club Al Muharraq in last year January 2017 and played regularly in the AFC Cup.

Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory had backed his team signing to succeed in the league and suggested his inclusion will surely give his squad a new a dimension in attack.

Gregory: “Nelson is a highly accomplished player with a fantastic CV. He will add plenty of quality and variety to our attack. After a very good career in Europe, he recently had a very impressive season in Bahrain and looks very well equipped to flourish in the Indian Super League.”

Nelson also stated his happiness in signing for the 2015 ISL champions and suggested that he is looking forward to adding his experience in the Indian football.

“I would like to thank the club Chennaiyin FC and coach John Gregory for believing in me. Lot of my friends from Dutch football have played in the ISL and have given me positive feedback. Football in India is growing and I am really looking forward to be a part of it and of course help Chennaiyin win back the championship,” Nelson said.