Chennai, July 20: Chennaiyin FC have signed Spanish defender Inigo Calderon for the 2017-18 Indian Super League season, the club announced in a statement on Wednesday (July 19).

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Calderon joined the 2015 ISL champions on a free transfer after the expiry of his contract at Cyprus club Anorthosis Famagusta.

A product of the Alaves youth academy, Calderon started his senior professional career with Alicante in the third tier of the Spanish football league.

After spending three years at Alicante, Calderon returned to Alaves for a two-year spell before joining English club Brighton & Hove Albion in 2010.

Calderon spent six years at Brighton and was instrumental in their promotion to the second tier in his first season there. He was adjudged the club's player of the season in 2014-15.

The 35-year-old moved to Cypriot outfit Anorthosis Famagusta last season and helped them finish in the top six.

"Inigo is a player I know very well from his time in England with Brighton. He is not only a top class defender but also a leader on and off the pitch.

"His quality and experience is going to add great value to our defence and I am sure the Indian players will also get to learn a lot from him," Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory said.

"I am excited about this new challenge of moving to India and playing for Chennaiyin FC. Following a conversation with John, I didn't have to think twice about this move as I see huge potential in the Indian Super League and hope to contribute further in its growth but more importantly help the club win back the title they won two years ago," Inigo stated.

IANS