The Indian Super League's (ISL) participants' squads continue to be trimmed in the off-season with foreign players of various clubs finding newer havens to continue their trade.
Two-time winner of India's most watched domestic tournament and Atletico de Kolkata's captain Borja Fernandez has returned to Spanish shores with LaLiga2 (Segunda Division) side Unión Deportiva (UD) Almería. The 36-year-old midfield general led Atletico de Kolkata to a record-breaking second ISL title, making 16 appearances in the competition.
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Another one of his teammates, goalkeeper Dani Mallo, has joined Centre d'Esports (CE) l'Hospitalet, a Spanish third tier team based in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. The 'keeper made just two appearances for the Rojiblancos of Kolkata in the recently concluded ISL.
Also, NorthEast United's striker Emiliano Alfaro has sailed across the Arabian Sea to join United Arab Emirates (UAE) side Al Fujairah S. C. They participate in the UAE Division 1 Group A, the second tier of the country's domestic football pyramid. The team finished 13th in the Arabian Gulf League and were subsequently relegated last season.The 28-year-old Uruguayan notched up five goals in 13 appearances for John Abraham's Highlanders.
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Finally, Mailson Alves, the NorthEast United centre-back, has opted for a move back to Brazilian soil with by signing for Volta Redonda Futebol Clube. The team are based at the Estádio General Sílvio Raulino de Oliveira stadium, in the city of Volta Redonda, Brazil.
The team won the Campeonato Brasileiro Série D, or the fourth tier of Brazilian football, last season and therefore were promoted to the Serie C.
Mailson, an ISL winner with Chennaiyin in 2015, made nine appearances for the All Whites under Nelo Vingada.