Bengaluru, June 20 (IANS) Bengaluru FC (BFC) on Monday announced a new two-year deal with defence mainstay John Johnson that will keep him with the I-League champions till the end of the 2017-18 football season.
Johnson had signed with BFC since the club's inception before going on to spend three seasons during which he won two I-League titles and one Federation Cup crown. He was named the I-League's best defender for the 2015-16 season last month as BFC put behind the disappointment of being edged out by Mohun Bagan in the 2014-15 season at the death to bring back the title to Bengaluru.
"John Johnson has been immense for the club and has been the kind of leader who doesn't need an armband. We are at a very crucial phase at the club and getting him on board for another two seasons puts us in a very good position," Bengaluru FC's chief operating officer Mustafa Ghouse said in a statement.
"He's always inspiring the lads on the pitch and is a great character to have in the dressing room, needless to say he's a fan favourite."
Ever since his first season in India, Johnson, 27, has been on the radar of several clubs, but the Englishman said signing a new deal with BFC was one of the easier choices he's made.
"I'm delighted to have signed a new contract. Bengaluru FC is home to me. I've enjoyed every minute of the three seasons that I've spent here and I still feel I have a lot more to offer and achieve with this team," the central defender said.
"I've personally enjoyed great support from the fans and it's nice to know I will be seeing them again. It's going to be an important season ahead and I'm already looking forward to it," added Johnson.
--IANS
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