Chennaiyin FC part ways with former captain Mailson Alves

Published at :August 13, 2019 at 2:17 PM

Modified at :December 13, 2023 at 1:01 PM

(Courtesy : ISL Media)

The Brazilian has been an integral part of the Marina Machans over the years.

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Chennaiyin FC have confirmed that they have parted ways with central defender and captain from the 2018-19 season Mailson Alves, by mutual consent on Tuesday.

Mailson departs as a Chennaiyin legend, having played in three of the five seasons in the club's history, making a total of 56 appearances in all competitions and scoring eight goals in the process. The Brazilian started in both the 2015 and 2017-18 ISL finals which Chennaiyin went on to win against FC Goa and Bengaluru FC respectively.

He will be fondly remembered for scoring from two first-half headers in the 3-2 win in the 2017-18 final. Mailson is the only player to score twice in an ISL final and was the highest scoring defender in the league that campaign. Mailson also helped keep a joint-highest eight clean sheets in CFC’s second title-winning season.

In the following 2018-19 season, Mailson was appointed captain. Despite enduring a forgettable ISL campaign, he led Chennaiyin FC to the final of the 2018-19 Super Cup, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to FC Goa, with the Brazilian scoring against NorthEast United FC in the quarterfinals. Mailson was also instrumental in keeping five clean sheets in the club's debut AFC Cup, also scoring in the clash against Nepal's Manang Marshyangdi Club at home.

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Mailson will be remembered for his no-nonsense and aggressive approach, proving to be a worthy asset at both ends of the pitch.

"Mailson Alves lived and breathed Chennaiyin FC, giving it his all on the pitch. He truly made Chennai his home and was a thorough fan-favourite. He was a picture of aggression and commitment and all of us were fortunate to have him at the club. His two goals in the ISL final and the celebrations that followed will forever be etched in our memories. We wish him well for the future," the Chennaiyin FC co-owners said in a joint statement.