Chennaiyin FC signs Dutch winger Gregory Nelson

Chennaiyin FC has signed Dutch winger Gregory Nelson for the upcoming season of the Indian Super League. The 29-year-old joins the 2015 ISL champions on a free transfer after the expiry of his contract at Bahrain outfit Al Muharraq.

A product of the AZ Alkmaar youth system, Nelson represented Netherlands at U-17, U-18 and U-19 levels. Having made his professional debut at the age of 18 for Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivise, Nelson was then loaned to RBC Roosendaal in the Dutch Eerste Divisie.

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After one season, Nelson’s loan move at Roosendaal became permanent. He then joined Bulgarian giants CSKA Sofia where he spent 18 months, played in the UEFA Europa League and won the Bulgarian domestic cup.

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Nelson signed for Ukrainian giants Metalurh Donetsk in January 2012 and reached the final of the Ukraine domestic cup also. He spent three and a half seasons in Ukraine and featured for Metalurh also in the Europa League.

Nelson returned to the Bulgarian top division in 2015 when he joined Botev Plovdiv and spent one season there, scoring four goals in 14 domestic league starts.

In January 2017, Nelson signed for Bahrain powerhouse Al Muharraq and finished runners-up in the Bahrain King’s Cup. Nelson scored on his AFC Cup debut for Muharraq and featured in all six of their group stage games.

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Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory said the Dutch winger will add a lot of variety to the squad. “Nelson is a highly accomplished player with a fantastic CV. He will add plenty of quality to our attack. After a very good career in Europe he recently had a very impressive season in Bahrain and looks very well equipped to flourish in the Indian Super League,” the coach added.

Nelson said the accepted the offer as it gives him a chance to be a part of a growing league. “I would like to thank Chennaiyin FC and coach John Gregory for believing in me. Many of my friends from Dutch football have played in the ISL and have given me positive feedback. Football in India is growing and I am really looking forward to be a part of it and of course help Chennaiyin win back the championship,” Nelson stated.