Two-time champions Chennaiyin FC's latest defensive signing Enes Sipovic has assured fans of a strong campaign in the upcoming Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) season. Sipovic, who is the first foreign addition made by Chennaiyin’s new head coach Csaba Laszlo, shared his sympathy for the fans in his first interview on the official club website.

“I know that the situation with COVID has changed everything. Seeing stadiums without fans makes me really sad. To all the Chennaiyin fans, I promise them that I will give my best and we are going to celebrate together after this season. Simply put, I am not coming to India as a tourist. I along with our entire team, mean business,” Sipovic said.

While sharing his excitement after joining the Marina Machans, Sipovic admitted that he’s been following the club ever since their days with Italian World Cup winner Marco Materazzi as head coach. “I am really very excited to join my new club Chennaiyin FC. I had heard about Chennaiyin for the first time in 2014 when Marco Materazzi was part of this beautiful club (as head coach). Some big names have graced the stage in this team, and I am delighted to follow in their footsteps. I am looking forward to competing in it with my new team,” he said.

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“We are so happy that we will have an opportunity to be in India, and hopefully in Chennai sometime soon too. Most importantly in terms of the football, I am itching to get on the pitch and gel with my teammates. I simply cannot wait,” the 30-year-old added.                                                                                       

In Sipovic, the club have acquired a ‘fighter’ who hopes to bring a lot of confidence to the team. “I am a team player and I am not someone who focuses on individual performances. I am sure when the fans see me play, they will see a fighter and a very responsible player. Someone who gives confidence to the team and wants to win at all times,” the centre-back said.

The Bosnian also elaborated on the club’s ‘winning mentality’ that’s inculcated among its players. “My ambitions are always high. Chennaiyin FC is a club that has won titles and achieved success in a very short period. It is a club that fosters a winning mentality and knows how to bounce back from setbacks. Chennaiyin already has a big reputation, so we will give our best to be in pole position again,” he concluded.