FC Pune City sign Brazilian midfielder Lucca for ISL

Pune, July 19 (IANS) Indian Super League (ISL) franchise FC Pune City on Tuesday announced the signing of former AS Roma midfielder Jonatan Lucca for the third edition of the football tournament.

The 22-year-old Brazilian youngster began his career with local Brazilian club Internacional when he caught the eye of AS Roma. In his three-year stint with the Giallorossi, the midfielder scored nine goals in 32 appearances between 2012-15.

Expressing his excitement Lucca said he is looking forward to his second stint in India. He played for FC Goa in the last edition.

"This certainly will be one of the biggest challenges of my career so far. The team has gathered some quality signings from India as well as abroad and with Antonio Habas at the helm of things, I am sure this will help me develop my career in the way and at the right club," the midfielder said.

Club's head coach Habas was happy to sign a promising youngster. "He was one of the best midfielders playing in the league last year.

"He is young, fast and will bring life to our midfield with his speed. That's exactly why we decided to get him to our club FC Pune City," Habas said.

Just a few weeks back, FC Pune announced former Barcelona midfielder Pitu as one of their first foreign signings.

"A robust midfielder, Lucca is a proven performer with a combination of speed, skill and flair. With age on his side, he possesses natural talent and has progressed well to date," Gaurav Modwel, club's chief executive officer said.

"FC Pune City will give him the platform to express himself as we believe in his potential to become the one of the best midfielders in the league."

--IANS

ac/pur/dg