'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the story?
Indian U-17 striker Aman Chetri, who is considered to be one of the brightest prospects in the country, has been signed by ISL side Chennaiyin FC. The news was concerned by the player himself on Instagram on Sunday, as he posted an image of the franchise's logo with the caption, "A new journey begins."
Sources close to the player have confirmed to Sportskeeda that he has been signed for the reserve team on a long-term deal that runs till 2020. However, he could feature in the main team in case of injuries to the senior players.
In case you didn't know
The striker, who was a crucial part of the India squad that was to participate in the recently-concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup and was part of their international tours, suffered a serious setback as he got injured just before the tournament and was unable to recover in time for the marquee event.
The heart of the matter
Chetri, who hails from Assam, was one of India's shining stars at the AFC U-16 Championship in 2016, that saw them face off against Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Iran. The youngster also got on the scoresheet as well, scoring India's second goal in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Saudi Arabia, which was also the only point that India scored in the group stage.
He was expected to lead the Indian attack at the World Cup but an untimely injury just one month before the marquee event saw him being ruled out of the competition.
What's next?
The Super Machans face off against Bengaluru FC in their next ISL encounter. The youngster, on the other hand though, is expected to feature in the I-League second division next year.
Author's take
It is certainly thrilling to see one of the country's top prospects being signed up by an ISL side and here's hoping we get to see him in action soon!
