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What’s the story?
East Bengal FC midfield dynamo Mahmoud Al Amna has extended his contract for one more season, the Syrian star confirmed on Wednesday. The Syrian will be seen wearing the Red and Gold in the upcoming season (2018-19) as well.
Although there were previous reports of the 35-year-old receiving an offer from another club, he has always maintained that the I-League heavyweights will be his priority.
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Al Amna started his career with Sporting Clube de Goa in 2015, before winning the I-League with Aizawl, and ended up with East Bengal in late 2017. The nimble-footed footballer has been with East Bengal since CFL (Calcutta Football League) 2017.
The heart of the matter
A few weeks ago, reports were doing the rounds that Indian Super League sides ATK and NorthEast United FC, had offered him better contracts.
However, rubbishing all rumours of leaving the club, the midfielder took to social media earlier today to vow the KEB fans that the team will come back stronger next season as they aim to lift the coveted I-League trophy.
In what comes as a good news to the fans, Al Amna will be available for the entirety of the season, starting from CFL and not just the league.
Al Amna has been extremely clinical for East Bengal. His midfield partnership with Katsumi Yusa and Cavin Lobo has been lethal and troublesome for the opposition in several matches.
What’s next?
Al Amna will be keen to better this season’s record where East Bengal narrowly missed out on the I-League and the Indian Super Cup. The Syrian will be available for the entire season, which will be a big boon for the team's morale.
Author’s take
Capable of both playing passes in channels and taking on defenders himself, Al Amna is an asset that no club wants to part with. His nifty footwork in the middle and the ability to change defence into an attack at lightning speed makes him a serious threat to his opponents.
With Al Amna deciding to stay, the fans will be delighted as they get to witness the crafty Syrian for at least one more season.
