ISL: Rafael Crivellaro bids farewell to Chennaiyin FC

The playmaker leaves after being a brilliant servant to the football club.

Few foreign players have earned the kind of love and respect in India that Rafael Crivellaro did in his time in the Indian Super League. The Brazilian midfielder established himself as a fan favourite at Chennaiyin FC after signing for the club initially in 2019. 

He signed for the Marina Machans for a second stint in 2023 ahead of the 2023-24 season. Now, the 35-year-old leaves Chennaiyin FC after an emotional announcement by the club on their social media handles. “You came. You saw. You conquered. You came back and did it again. Obrigado Rafa for everything,” the caption read on CFC’s handle on X, the microblogging website.

You came. You saw. You conquered. You came back and did it again. 💙Obrigado Rafa for everything. 🥺#AllInForChennaiyin #NandriRafa pic.twitter.com/oNnrOdktvH

— Chennaiyin F.C. (@ChennaiyinFC) May 28, 2024

Rafael Crivellaro’s leadership qualities and unwavering drive were immense factors in bringing success to Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC. His departure certainly leaves a huge gaping hole in Chennaiyin FC’s squad and finding a replacement will be a huge headache for Owen Coyle and the rest of the higher-ups at the ISL outfit.

Rafael Crivellaro – A brilliant playmaker

Rafael Crivellaro arrived in India on 3 September 2019 to sign for Chennaiyin FC. He left the club to join Jamshedpur FC in December 2022 but rejoined the southern outfit in 2023 for a last dance, winning the hearts of the CFC fanbase after deciding to lead the club once again.

During his time in the Indian Super League, the 35-year-old made 59 appearances, including the playoffs, scored 12 goals, and provided 18 assists. He also notched up four goals and two assists in the Super Cup and the Durand Cup combined. 

Rafael Crivellaro had a positive impact on Indian football. He became popular for his vision, playmaking, and quality of set-pieces. Under his captaincy, facing huge odds, the Marina Machans secured playoff qualification during the 2023-24 season where he scored four goals and assisted seven times, despite his advanced age limiting his physical output.  

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