Michael Soosairaj signs for Odisha FC on two-year deal

The winger spent three seasons in Kolkata playing for ATK and ATK Mohun Bagan.

As confirmed by Khel Now earlier, Odisha FC have announced the signing of Michael Soosairaj on a two-year contract from ATK Mohun Bagan. The 27-year-old leaves ATKMB after two seasons with the Mariners during which he made just seven appearances.

Born in Eraviputhenthurai, Tamil Nadu, Michael Soosairaj first moved to Chennai when he attended Madras Christian College. At the age of 10, he started training with his local football club/academy St. Catherine FC one of the oldest football clubs in the state. He represented the college in Inter-University tournaments before joining the Arrows Football Club of the CFA Senior Division. After spending time with Arrows, Soosairaj joined another CFA Senior Division side, Chennai City. He also played for Tamil Nadu in the Santosh Trophy.

In his career, Michael Soosairaj has played for Jamshedpur FC and ATK. After ATK and Mohun Bagan joined hands, he continued at the club. He was a creative threat from the left during his ATK days when he was a regular starter at the club.

He scored four goals in 14 matches during the 2018–19 season. Michael Soosairaj was brilliant throughout the season playing as a left or right-winger. Michael earned a lot of admiration for his performance and was one of the standout Indian players of the season. His performances led to him gaining his first international call-up.

Club President, Raj Athwal had this to say on Soosai Raj's signing, “We are delighted to have secured the services of a player of Soosai Raj’s calibre. We hope that he can contribute to our team’s success for the next two seasons, by putting in performances that we all know he is capable of.”

Michael Soosairaj on his move to the Juggernauts, "I am so excited to have joined Odisha FC and I am looking forward to playing my first game at the Kalinga Stadium. I hope I give you guys my best and entertain you guys as well. Ama Team, Ama Game!"

We, at Odisha FC, are delighted to have Soosai Raj on board with us and we would like to wish him the best for his time at the club.

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