Two-time Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC announced the addition of defender Reamsochung ‘Remi’ Aimol, goalkeeper Samik Mitra and forward Aman Chetri (19) on multi-year contracts on Thursday. While Samik and Aman have been promoted to the first-team from the Chennaiyin B team, Remi already has two senior appearances to his name, one each in the Hero ISL and the AFC Cup.

Remi had a loan spell with Indian Arrows in the Hero I-League before returning to the Marina Machans and making his senior debut in a 3-2 AFC Cup win over Manang Marshyangdi in Nepal in June 2019. “Being a part of Chennaiyin FC has been an amazing experience. The club has helped me improve and develop immensely. I have come to think of it as a second home and I take great pleasure in continuing for the seasons to come. I am ready to take on everything and will give my 100%,” he said after signing his contract.

A tenacious presence in goal, young shot-stopper Samik impressed for Chennaiyin’s U-18s and B team before spending time on loan at Indian Arrows for two seasons. “Chennaiyin have given me a great platform to grow. In my time here, I have improved in all aspects, as a player and as a human being. CFC is a second family to me. I am very happy to stay here for longer and am motivated to help bring the ISL trophy back home to Chennai where it belongs,” Samik said after putting pen to paper.

Meanwhile, Aman was part of the Indian team that won the 2019 SAFF U-18 Championship, scoring in a 3-0 win over Sri Lanka. He also spent time on loan with Indian Arrows in the previous Hero I-League season.

“I am very happy and excited to sign a contract extension with Chennaiyin FC. Having been a part of the club for three years, I have never felt away from home. The passionate fans, management, senior team players and the support staff have always been helpful to me. I feel this is the right place for me to grow and improve. I have always dreamed about representing CFC in the ISL. So it’s now time for me to work harder and give my best for the club,” Aman said after signing his contract.

Co-owner Mrs Vita Dani also welcomed the addition of the young trio to Chennaiyin’s first-team squad. “I am delighted to see young blood like Remi, Samik and Aman continuing with us. They will add fresh impetus to the team, especially on the training pitch. At CFC, we have always promoted talent to thrive on the biggest stage, irrespective of the age. And I am certain they will provide healthy competition to the experienced players from the word go and develop exponentially in our ranks in the years to come,” she said.

Having graduated from the AIFF Elite Academy in 2017, all three youngsters had signed for the Marina Machans to continue their progress with Chennaiyin FC's B team. They garnered important match experience in the second division of the Hero I-League, with Samik and Aman featuring for the U-18s in the AIFF U-18 Youth League as well. In February 2020, Remi made his Hero ISL debut against NorthEast United FC.