'I want to leave as a Legend': East Bengal captain Cleiton Silva makes bold statement, sets new aim for the ISL season

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In the fabric of East Bengal, many names have made their eternal places over the years. From Majid Baskar, Ranti Martins to the likes of Uga Okpara and Penn Orji, many foreigners have made their marks in the history of the club.

But one man wants to be in the same bracket in the years to come, and that is East Bengal captain Cleiton Silva.

East Bengal's Brazilian leader Cleiton Silva has made his wishes clear, which is to remain at the club for the next few years. And not just that, Cleiton's aim is to leave the club as a legend.

Silva, who joined the club from Bengaluru FC in 2022, has been a phenomenon for the team. The Brazilian has been the beacon of hope for the club up front, and has been a heavy scorer for them with 20 ISL goals in the last two seasons.

He also played an instrumental part in East Bengal's Kalinga Super Cup win earlier this year, which earned them the right to play in the AFC Challenge League this season. In this short period, along with the goals, Cleiton's leadership on the field and his passion for the club have made inroads in the hearts of the fans, and the man from Sao Geraldo de Piedade longs for Kolkata to remain his professional home.

"It's only happiness for me to spend my 3rd season at East Bengal. As I have said many more times, I want to leave the club as a legend. I really want to be one player they remember in the future. It's not easy because players want to win trophies and try to put the club to another level. I want to put the club on another level. We know the history of the club and how they used to play in AFC competitions. I will try to put East Bengal into the top six, this is my target this season. For the next season, we will see," Cleiton said in a media event on Wednesday (September 4).

The 37-year-old has been a maverick for the Torch Bearers and will have huge responsibilities on his shoulders once again this term. As the new ISL season approaches, East Bengal will be aiming to get the elusive playoff spot, and Cleiton's words will be music to all those East Bengal fans.