Chennaiyin FC have signed 33-year-old forward and former Maltese International André Schembri from Apollon Limassol on a free transfer for the upcoming season.
André spent his formative years at Maltese clubs Floriana FC and Hibernians FC. He made his senior team debut with Hibernians in 2002 and then moved to another Maltese club Marsaxlokk FC in 2005. During his five year spell with the club, he was loaned out to lower division German clubs for a couple of seasons.
Starting from 2009, Schembri went on to represent clubs in Austria, Hungary, Greece, Cypriot and Portugal. The versatile centre-forward who can also play an attacking midfield role joins the ISL side Chennaiyin FC from the Cypriot-based club Apollon Limassol on a one-year deal.
At Apollon, he became the first Maltese player to score in a European competition when he got on the score sheet in a UEFA Europa League game.
André has been capped 94 times for his country and retired last year to give an opportunity to the younger generation. Over the course of his long club career, the 33-year-old has scored 105 and assisted 37 goals in 380 appearances.
A popular sports personality in Malta, Schembri’s father and grandfather were both Maltese internationals.
Andre is a seasoned professional who has been among the flag-bearers of Maltese football over the years.
His goal-scoring ability, versatility and leadership skills will be a huge asset in our pursuit of the ISL title. He has been prolific in front of goal throughout his career, and I am sure he will continue to find the mark in Chennaiyin colours.
Andre is another example of someone who will fight for the badge and inspire those around him. I am really excited about how things are shaping up as we count down to pre-season
John Gregory, Head Coach, Chennaiyin FC
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