ISL team Chennaiyin FC has signed a new contract with Brazilian midfielder Raphael Augusto for a two-year term. The 26-year-old is currently on loan from Chennaiyin to Brazilian fourth tier outfit Bangu Atletico Clube but he will be back for the 2017-18 ISL season.
Raphael joined Chennaiyin in 2015 on loan from Brazilian giants Fluminense and was instrumental in the ISL franchise reaching the semis on their way to the title. He completed a permanent move to Chennaiyin last season.
The new contract will see Raphel stay with Chennayin until the end of 2019.
The former DC United and Legia Warsaw player has already made 26 appearances over two ISL seasons and won several individual awards.
"I have received great feedback on Raphael from Sabir. He has clearly been one of best midfielders in the ISL and at 26 can only get better. I hear that he is a real fan favourite so it's great for the club to have him attached to the long term," Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory said.
Raphael added, "I can't express in words how I feel for Chennaiyin FC and the people of Chennai and Tamil Nadu. We have a special bond. I have spent two memorable seasons already and look forward to being with the club for many more years. We didn't get the results we wanted last season after the success of 2015 so I am determined to bring the trophy back to Chennai."
