Kerala Blasters' fans' virile sense of kinship they establish with their players - nationality disregarded - is overpowering considering the bonhomie is something that other franchises cannot match.
Therefore, it'll be a doleful morning for the fans of the Tuskers, when they are informed that Aaron Hughes, skipper of the team that made it to the final of the Indian Super League's (ISL) third edition last season, will not return in the Yellow and Blue of the franchise this time around.
Federation Cup: Team of the tournament
The 37 year-old Scotsman has inked a year-long contract with Hearts, a Scottish Premier League team. It is important to remember here that Hughes, formerly of Fulham and Aston Villa, had already signed a six-month deal with The Jam Tarts just this January, after the completion of his duties in the ISL.
He played an aggregate of 941 minutes in one of the world's most viewed tournaments, spanning 11 matches and had a goal to boot for his efforts in the competition as well. With a total of 104 international caps for Northern Ireland, Hughes' has sought to continue his career in Europe.
"It was an easy decision to make because I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club. Everything people told me about the club before I signed has shown itself to be true; it’s a great place to be. This is a club that can push for European spots each year. You also look at the two cups as a real possibility and it’s something we should target.
I wouldn’t have committed myself to another season if I didn’t think I was able to because, regardless of everything else, it wouldn’t have been fair on myself or the club," stated the Sachin Tendulkar co-owned franchises' former marquee player.