Have only good memories despite tough ISL season, says Orlandi

Andrea Orlandi’s only spell in Asia – in the Indian Super League (ISL) – came to a premature halt owing to a couple of reasons, but the Spaniard observed he only has fond memories of his time at Chennaiyin FC.

After a one-year stint with Italian outfit Novara Calcio, Orlandi embarked on a new journey to Chennai, inking a deal with the two-time champion in August 2018. Barely three months into the fifth edition of ISL – one in which Chennaiyin finished with the wooden spoon – both groups decided to part ways, bringing down the curtains on the 35-year-old’s career.

“Unfortunately, my time at the club was pretty short. I had to leave [after a few months]. My teammates, the members of the management and the fans, who I met many times, treated me so well. We had a difficult season [on the pitch]. However, I just have good memories,” said Orlandi during an Instagram session with Supermachans, the official fan club of Chennaiyin.

Having been diagnosed with a heart disease, Orlandi, who made nine appearances for CFC, bid adieu as a player in January 2019. “I probably underestimated the fact that I was going to be away from my family [when I played for Chennaiyin]. That is one thing I struggled with. Obviously, my health situation got worse; I lost a lot of weight. I wasn’t able to express myself because of that. I could have done a lot better for the club,” he spoke of his brief term at the then John Gregory-managed CFC.

Although more than a year has passed by since he left this land, fan favourite Orlandi expressed he still misses the warmth of the Indians. “At difficult times, the people of Chennai showed me how good they are. They were so kind. It is very different to what we experience in Spain and the rest of Europe,” he stated.

The former Swansea City midfielder also lavished praise on Karanjit Singh for the person he is off the field. Karanjit, one of the longest-serving members of Chennaiyin, performed a dual role in ISL 6, of that of a shotstopper and goalkeeper coach.

“He is someone the club should take care of. He is a key member for the CFC dressing room. He is a father figure and a mentor for the young players. When I was in India, he was always there to help me. I love and miss him,” said Orlandi. Like the rest of the world, the Barcelona-based is currently in lockdown as a result of the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

When queried about how he is adjusting to life in a restricted environment, he replied, “I love cooking; it is something which relaxes my mind. I do some physical activities in the morning. I also play with my two daughters.”