A towering presence at the heart of Hero ISL 2015 champions Chennaiyin FC’s defence, Bernard Mendy has joined East Bengal for the ongoing Hero I-League. The Kolkata club confirmed the signing of the former 34-year-old France international on Thursday.The veteran centre-back, who was a picture of calmness for the Super Machans throughout Season 2 of the Hero ISL, promises to be a stellar acquisition for the Red and Gold Brigade.A leader at the back for the southern-outfit in the ISL, Mendy completed 34 tackles, 22 interceptions, 17 blocks and a staggering 71 clearances and played an important role in Chennaiyin FC’s journey to the title last month.Adjudged the Hero of the Match on numerous occasions over the course of the second season, Mendy is more than capable with the ball at his feet as his 87% passing accuracy suggests.He also shares the distinction of being Hero ISL’s top-scoring defender with three goals along with Gregory Arnolin of FC Goa. Mendy’s signing is a major coup for East Bengal who kick-started their I-League campaign with a 3-1 away win against Sporting Clube de Goa on January 10.
