Calcutta: Syed Rahim Nabi finally withdrew in favour of East Bengal after club officials agreed to consider his demand of a pay hike.

Sources in the club revealed that Nabi has signed only after East Bengal settled his due salary, of Rs 3 lakh, and assured him a pay hike as per his demand.

Nabi’s contract was for Rs 30 lakh last season and, if his demands are met, will take home Rs 36 lakh this season.

“The officials have promised that they would have a second look into my demands… So I decided to sign,” Nabi said at the club tent soon after signing for the club on Monday.

Incidentally, Nabi had a dispute with East Bengal officials on the payment issue last season. Nabi has a contract with the club till 2011.

“Look if you are playing well then there will be offers pouring in. Yes, I had offers from other clubs…

“Even Mohun Bagan officials contacted me several times. But then I am looking forward to be with East Bengal. I wanted to clarify a few things, which I have conveyed to the East Bengal officials,” Nabi said before signing off.