Chennaiyin FC confirmed their first player re-signing for the upcoming Hero Indian Super League season by securing the services of French defender Bernard Mendy on Tuesday. The robust centre-back was part of the Super Machans squad during the past two seasons of the Hero ISL and helped the southern-outfit to the coveted ISL trophy last year with several inspirational performances from the back.“I am delighted to be back at Chennaiyin and would like to thank the owners and Marco for giving me another opportunity to reunite with my second family. I have had two memorable years at Chennaiyin with the highlight being celebrating with our Super Machans after returning with the trophy in Chennai. We want to win the title again for the people of Chennai and are going to work very hard towards achieving that goal,” said a delighted Mendy.The former PSG, Bolton Wanderers and Hull City defender has made 28 appearances in the Hero ISL for Chennaiyin FC, making him his team’s most capped player. Mendy’s three goals also make him the joint-highest scoring defender in the Hero ISL along with FC Goa’s Gregory Arnolin. His memorable bicycle-kick against Kerala Blasters FC in Season 1 remains one of the best goals ever to be scored in the Hero ISL.A firm fan favourite, Mendy has won ten individual awards for Chennaiyin, including a spate of Hero-of-the-Match awards towards the business end of the last season. Head coach Marco Materazzi enthused at the prospect of having Mendy for a third consecutive season.“We are very happy to have Bernard at the club for the third consecutive season. His class and experience were instrumental in our consistency in the first two campaigns. We look forward to another strong season from him,” said Materazzi.The former French international completed 34 tackles and 21 headers last year for Chennaiyin FC. An astute reader of the game, he made more interceptions than other player from his team, making him one of the Super Machans’ best performers from last season. Chennaiyin FC co-owner Mrs Vita Dani also has high hopes from Mendy.“Retaining Mendy endorses our club philosophy of valuing continuity. He has been one of the best players in the ISL’s first two seasons and is an icon in our city of Chennai. We believe he will once again inspire our team both on and off the field,” she said.
