Chennaiyin FC has completed the signing of Spanish attacking midfielder Jaime Gavilán Martínez for the 2017-18 season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL). The 32-year-old joins the 2015 ISL champions on a free transfer after the expiry of his contract at South Korean club Suwon FC.

A product of the Valencia youth academy, Gavilán represented Spain at various age group levels. He was part of Spain’s U-16 and U-19 Euro success in 2001 and 2004 and was also a member of the 2003 U-20 World Cup squad that lost to Brazil in the final.

Gavilán spent four seasons in the senior team of his boyhood club Valencia but most of his time there was spent on loan to Getafe and Tenerife. However he appeared for Valencia in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

In 2008, Gavilán sealed a permanent move to Getafe and spent six seasons there. In 2014 he moved to Levante but soon joined Greek outfit Platanias.

Gavilán played in the second season of the Hero ISL for Atlético de Kolkata. He made 15 starts for the Kolkata franchise, bagging three assists and helped them reach the semifinals, where they lost to eventual champions Chennaiyin FC 4-2 on aggregate. After leaving ISL, Gavilán has been playing for South Korea’s Suwon FC.

Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory said, “Gavilán has exceptional technical quality with a fantastic CV. He also has the past experience of having played in the ISL two years ago when he had a very good season. He will add great value to our team going forward.”

Gavilán added, “I am delighted to return to India and the ISL. I would like to thank Chennaiyin FC for giving me a chance to come back to India. I enjoyed my time here both on and off the field but this time I want to win the title. I look forward to giving my very best for Chennaiyin FC.”

(Chennaiyin FC)