Two-time Indian Super League title winners Chennaiyin FC brings in Maltese attacker Andre Schembri on a free transfer ahead of their 2019-20 campaign. Former Maltese skipper becomes the first player from Malta to play in Chennaiyin FC as well as Indian Super League (ISL).
Andre Schembri last played in Cypriot First Division for Apollon Limassol FC making 57 appearances for the club and finding the net ten times for the club in all competitions. The 33-year-old forward also became the first Maltese player to score a goal in UEFA Europa League and also has netted six times in the qualifying stages of Europa League which includes five assists as well.
Andre becomes the fifth foreign signing for the Indian Super League outfit following Lithuanian Nerijus Valskis, Romanians Lucian Goian and Dragos Firtulescu, and Afghan Masih Saighani. This will be the first stint outside Europe for the seasoned professional, who has played in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Greece and Cyprus. Andre is known for his leadership skills being a skipper for his national side. The forward has made 94 senior appearances for Malta and scored three goals in his period. Andre announced his retirement from international football in November 2018 after a draw against Faroe Islands in the UEFA Nations League.
Former Italy star Andrea Pirlo has mentioned that Maltese midfielder Andre Schembri as the toughest footballer he has ever faced in competitive football and dedicated a chapter for him in his autobiography- “I Think Therefore I Play.”
“It is an honor to sign for Chennaiyin and become the first Maltese footballer to play for the club and in the ISL. Malta is very close to Italy and I know a lot about Chennaiyin because of its rich history involving Italians!” said Schembri. He also added that, “I hope this is the best year of my career as all of us at the club set out to achieve the target of winning ISL title. My aim is to bring my experience to the fray and also help the youngsters with that and my leadership skills.”