Mohammed Rafi. (Getty Images)

KOCHI: Kerala Blasters have brought back striker Mohammed Rafi two seasons after he moved to Chennaiyin and lifted a second ISL title. The 37-year-old Kasaragod native becomes the 17th player to be signed by new head coach Eelco Schattorie who would be banking on the former Churchill Brothers hitman to provide cover for fellow new recruit Bartholomew Ogbeche.

The addition of the fan favourite appears a shrewd tactic to appease the fans that have been rallying for improvement from the management since last season, in which the two-time ISL finalists finished ninth and witnessed yet another manager sacking when David James exited by December after a poor run and was succeeded by Nelo Vingada albeit without any significant progress.

Rafi, known for his aerial abilities has eight ISL goals, six of which were scored in Blasters colours. His first season was close on the heels of a title win with ATK in the league's maiden campaign. Rafi had started the 2014 final against Kerala, and it was his substitution, giving way for match winner Mohammed Rafique that settled the battle.

The former Mahindra United player then shifted allegiance to his home-state, representing them for two seasons in a row. He again scored in the 2016 final against ATK, a lead that lasted merely seven minutes, and resulted in further heartbreak for the yellow-brigade that squandered two penalties and lost 3-4 in shootout, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.

Next season he moved across, to Chennaiyin, and despite playing second fiddle to Jeje with less than 300 minutes whole season, and going unused on the bench in the final against Bengaluru, he had yet another title to his credit at the final whistle. His stock fell the following season as the champions struggled for form.

The Blasters have offered a lifeline for the veteran, who besides offering quality off the bench is known for his affable personality.

"I'm extremely happy to be joining Kerala Blasters after two years," Rafi said after being confirmed as a Kerala Blasters player, again, on Wednesday.

"It is an honour to represent the home team along with a talented squad for Season 6 of the Indian Super League . The only objective now is to bring the ISL cup home and for the same I will give in my 100 per cent on and off the pitch. I am also eagerly looking forward to witnessing the ever supportive and loud crowd," he added.

The return of Rafi was met with mixed reactions from the Blasters fans and while the majority, on social media, seemed to embrace the veteran, unhappy voices were also heard. Meanwhile, Blasters' assistant coach Ishfaq Ahmed threw light on the signing. "Rafi is a proven goal scorer and one among the few number nine strikers of India," Ishfaq said.

"He is one of the best headers in the country with an excellent eye for goal and his first touch inside the box is always brilliant. His performance in Season 3 with Kerala Blasters was top notch and we hope to see him in his best form in the upcoming season of the ISL," the coach added.

