Elano: Latest recruit for Indian Super League

Former Manchester City midfielder Elano has signed for the Chennai franchise in the inaugural Indian Super League.

The Brazil international, who played under current Selecao boss Dunga at the 2010 World Cup, will feature alongside ex-Bolton, Hull City and Paris Saint Germain defender Bernard Mendy and former Manchester United winger Bojan Djordic.

The team, which will be officially named Chennayin, will be led by 2006 World Cup winner Marco Materazzi, who will be the side’s player-manager.

CEO of Kshatriya Sports and Chennayin technical adviser Prashant Agarwal says the move is a huge boost to football in Tamil Nadu and India as a whole.

“We are delighted that Elano has decided to join the project here in Chennai,” Agarwal told Sky Sports.

“Elano is an exciting talent whose technique and football fundamentals are up there with any player in the world.

“This is an exciting move for everyone in and around Chennai and football fans across India. We are looking forward to the samba magic Elano will bring to our team.”

After playing for much of his early career in his homeland with Santos, Elano moved to Europe to play for Ukranian side Shakhtar Donetsk.

In 2007, then Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson brought Elano to the Premier League where he played alongside former Brazil and Santos team-mate Robinho.

Elano made 80 appearances for City, scoring 18 goals and setting up a further 11, before he moved to Turkish side Galatasaray in 2009.

The 33-year-old returned to Santos in 2010 and moved to Gremio a year later, before his contract was terminated last month after a loan spell with Flamengo.

Meanwhile, former Arsenal winger Freddie Ljunberg has completed his move to ISL side Mumbai City FC who will be managed by ex-England international Peter Reid.

Ljunberg will link up with former Arsenal team-mate Nicolas Anelka after a move to Mumbai for the ex-Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea striker was confirmed on Monday.

The league will run from October 12 until December 20.