Two-time champions Chennaiyin FC have signed former Indian Super League winner Mohammed Rafique on a two-year deal ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23).
Rafique has represented four clubs in ISL: Kerala Blasters FC, ATK, Mumbai City FC and SC East Bengal. The latest being SC East Bengal for whom he had played in 31 matches in the last two seasons. Rafique has also played four I-League seasons as an East Bengal player taking part in the AFC Cup and Federation Cup.
A versatile footballer, Rafique has played in nine positions in his decade-long professional career with 153 matches under his belt. He has played 65 ISL matches, scoring one goal and one assist since.
Welcoming Rafique into the club, Chennaiyin FC co-owner Vita Dani said, “We are very excited to see Mohammed Rafique in Chennaiyin blue. Across his illustrious career, he has proudly represented the national team and scored the winning goal in the 2014 ISL final for ATK. We are also aware of the versatility he brings to the side and his experience will be invaluable for the younger boys in the squad.”
Mohammed Rafique Career
Rafique made his professional debut for United SC in 2012 and played two I-League seasons for them, making 38 appearances, which included three goals before he joined East Bengal. He was later sent on loan to ATK in the first season of the ISL.
During a one-year loan spell at Kerala Blasters FC in 2016, he played a crucial role in the club’s runners-up finish.
The India international was also part of Mumbai City FC’s set-up for two seasons from 2018-19. He made 17 league appearances and was also featured in one Super Cup game for the Islanders.
In the 2021-22 ISL, he appeared 16 times for the Red and Gold Brigade, providing one assist and spending 1075 minutes on the pitch.
The Kolkata-born footballer has also represented the national side on 12 occasions, including two friendlies, and has one goal and an assist to his name. With the Blue Tigers, Rafique won the 2018 Intercontinental Cup and a Tri-Nation series in 2017.
