Indian Super League (ISL) side Chennaiyin FC have retained the services of French defender Bernard Mendy for the second edition of the lucrative league.
Mendy, 34, was a fan favourite last season after a decent outing in the ISL 2014, as he guided the Chennai-based side to finish at the top of the league.
The side however were defeated by finalists Kerala Blasters in the playoffs.
The former PSG player will be remembered mainly for his bicycle kick strike in Chennaiyin's home win over the Blasters in ISL 2014. The goal turned out to be one of the best of the tournament.
Mendy has mentioned that his outing in the ISL in the last edition has been "unforgettable" and he is looking forward to ISL 2015, which will kickoff on 3 October, with more determination, as he is keen on guiding his side to the title.
"I am thankful to Chennaiyin FC for retaining me and giving me the chance to play for the wonderful CFC fans once again," Mendy told the official ISL website.
"Playing in the ISL for Chennaiyin FC was an unforgettable experience for me last year and I am excited at the prospect of getting to do it this time also. We narrowly missed out on reaching the final last year but this time I am determined to make Chennaiyin FC the ISL champions.
"We are all going to work very hard for the entire Chennaiyin FC fraternity."
Former Italy defender Marco Materazzi, who is the player-manager of Chennaiyin FC, stated that he has full belief in Mendy, as his leadership and technical qualities was instrumental for the side last season, and he is looking forward to the Frenchman's consistency once more in this term.
"We are delighted to have retained Mendy for the second edition of the Hero Indian Super League. Mendy is a leader both on and off the pitch and provides us immense strength and quality," Materazzi said.
"His experience and technical quality makes him a very important player in our squad. He was one of our most consistent players last season and I have full faith in him to have another fantastic ISL this time."
The versatile defender captained Chennaiyin FC in five matches in the last edition, where he appeared in a total of 13 games. Following ISL 2014, he plied his trade with Cyprus top-flight club AEL Limassol.
Chennaiying FC, who are owned by Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan and India skipper MS Dhoni, have made some good signings so far, as they have snapped up instrumental Atletico de Kolkata duo Fikru Teferra and Edel Bete.
