Chennaiyin FC on Tuesday announced to have completed the signing of Serbian defender Lazar Cirkovic ahead of the upcoming 2023-24 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) club.
It is the club’s fifth foreign signing ahead of the upcoming ISL season.
“We’re delighted to bring Laz out to the club. We’ve chased him. For a whole he’s had a lot of interest from clubs because he plays at such a high level with great pedigree. And he’s a tremendous addition. He’s played at the highest level and he’ll be able to impart that knowledge and that quality. A terrific signing for the club,” Chennaiyin head coach Owen Coyle told the club’s media team.
Cirkovic last featured for Hungarian club Budapest Honved FC making 17 appearances in the Hungarian First Division in the 2022-23 season. The defender has played a major part of his senior football in the Serbian First Division, making 146 appearances for FK Rad, FK Partizan Belgrade and Kisvarda FC.
Meanwhile, he also turned out for for Swiss side, FC Luzern and Israeli side, Maccabi Netanya.
“I’m very excited for the Indian challenge. I can’t wait to get onto the pitch and fight for my new colours, teammates and fans. See you soon, Chennai,” Cirkovic told the club.
Lazar, 31, also has made eight appearances in the UEFA Europa League against popular European sides such as Tottenham Hotspur beside also making six appearances in the UEFA Champions League Qualifiers.
Cirkovic has also represented the Serbian National Football Team at the U-21, U-19 and U-18 levels.
Chennaiyin FC will begin their ISL 2023-24 campaign against Odisha FC in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.