Defender Anas Edathodika has signed a two-year extension with the Pune FC and will continue to trade his skills at the club until 2015.
Anas' decision to stay back comes after spending the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons successfully at the club.
The 26-year-old Kerala-born defender played a key-role in the Pune FC's defensive line and helped his side earn the distinction of third best in conceding goals in I-League 2012-13.
"Anas has been instrumental for us in last season's campaign. He is a gritty customer and plays with a lot of passion. Everyone at Pune FC wishes Anas continued success with the club," Pune FC's Head of Operations, Chirag Tanna said in a statement.
During the season, Anas played all 26 games in the I-League figuring in the first eleven in 26 games and came off as a substitute only once to clock a staggering 2,326 minutes.
The defender also started in two Durand Cup games, three in Federation Cup and one in the IFA Shield respectively.
Anas' emergence as a solid no-nonsense defender also won him two awards at the season-ending annual Awards Night. He picked up the "Man of Steel" award for his consistency and was adjudged "Player of the Year 2013", making him the first Indian to bag the honour at Pune FC.
"I am delighted to continue. Pune FC is a one-of-its-kind club based in a city that is so passionate about the game and I owe my decision to extend my stay to all my fans," Anas said.
