ISL Transfers: Mailson Alves leaves Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC have confirmed the departure of their skipper Mailson Alves. The Brazilian, who spent two years at the club during his second spell, was part of the squad which lifted the Indian Super League (ISL) trophy in 2018.

The abiding memory of the centre-back's stint at Chennaiyin will be his brace against Bengaluru FC in the ISL final - helping the Blues become the most successful club in the history of the tournament, along with ATK FC. The 31-year-old, who spent a year with Northeast United, is not linked with any Indian club and looks poised to head back to Brazil once again.

Mailson formed a formidable partnership with Henrique Sereno during their title-winning campaign in 2018. His coalition with compatriot Eli Sabia was nothing short of unsatisfactory, as the then reigning champions finished last in the league stage with a single-digit points tally, the least accumulated by any team in an ISL season. Additionally, the defence conceded 32 goals, which is the highest number of goals leaked in a season in Chennaiyin's history.

The former Porto Alegre defender also enjoyed success during his first spell with the Blues. He was also a part of the Chennaiyin side that won the league under the management of Marco Materazzi in 2015. Mailson Alves was part of the rebuilding process which took part after John Gregory's arrival at the club. He enjoyed success and is a firm fan favourite amongst the Marina Arena faithful.