Chennaiyin FC have announced the departure of midfielder Rene Mihelic. The Slovenian playmaker leaves the 2017-18 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) champions after a one-year spell with the club.

The 30-year-old was an instrumental figure during the South Indian side’s title-winning campaign, proving to be one of the chief creative outlets. His match-winning performances, particularly towards the end of the season, were one of the primary reasons why Chennaiyin FC were able to clinch the Hero ISL title for the second time in three years. Mihelic appeared a total of 14 times for the club, notching up two goals and four assists in the process.

His ability to cause havoc to opposition sides from dead-ball situations was a hallmark of his attacking prowess last season. Mihelic’s crucial penalty winner against Mumbai City FC during the league phase of the 2017-18 campaign ensured Chennaiyin’s passage to the semi-finals, after securing second place in the standings.

Possessing an average player rating of 7.98 and racking up 473 passes throughout the last campaign, Mihelic established himself as one of the best midfielders in the league alongside Raphael Augusto. Head coach John Gregory will now have to find a suitable replacement for Mihelic at the centre of midfield before the new season gets underway.

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Chennaiyin FC Rene Mihelic2018-2019