ISL 2017/18: Erik Paartalu signs a new two-year deal with Bengaluru FC
What's the story?
Good news seems to be coming thick and fast for Bengaluru FC these past few days. After making it to the finals of the Indian Super League in their first attempt, one of the Blues' key players, Erik Paartalu has now signed a two-year extension with the club. The Australian midfielder will now be seen in India until the end of the 2019/20 season.
After putting pen to paper, Paartalu said, "It’s been an amazing journey at Bengaluru FC so far. Without a shadow of a doubt, signing for another two years was an easy decision to make for me. I hope we have continued success together and know that I will continue to give every ounce of myself each and every time I pull on the Blue jersey."
In case you didn't know...
Paartalu joined Bengaluru FC last July. He was a free agent back then and had last played for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. This season, Paartalu played 17 times for the ISL finalists and also netted thrice in the league. The midfielder also scored twice in the AFC Cup preliminary and playoff matches.
The heart of the matter
Paartalu's commitment with Bengaluru FC comes just days after the club announced a five-year extension for Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The Indian international will now be seen in the Bengaluru colours until 2023.
Meanwhile, securing Paartalu's future was the need of the hour as the club had already lost Edu Garcia in the recently concluded transfer market to Zhejiang Lucheng and needed the Australian to continue dominating the centre of the park for the Blues.
What next?
After starting the second leg of the semifinals against FC Pune City, Paartalu will now be seen in action in the ISL grand finale against Chennaiyin FC on March 17 at the Sree Kanteeveera stadium.
Author's take
Along with fighting for the title, Bengaluru FC are busy securing the futures of their pivotal players and making Paartalu sign a new deal was a step taken forward by the club. The Blues are looking to keep the spine of their team intact and players such as Sandhu, Paartalu and Chhetri are the kind of individuals that one can build a successful team around.