Chennai: Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC today announced that they have retained experienced Italian central midfielder Manuele Blasi for the third season of ISL.

The former Roma, Juventus, Napoli and Fiorentina midfielder joined Chennaiyin in 2015 after the expiry of his contract at Italian Serie B club AS Varese. Blasi went on to play a key role in Chennaiyin's title success, making 13 appearances including starts in both legs of the semi-final against Atletico de Kolkata and the final with FC Goa.