Melbourne
City FC is pleased to announce the Club has signed Uruguayan striker Bruno
Fornaroli as Head Coach John van't Schip strengthens his attack ahead of the
Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season.
The
27-year-old joins Melbourne City FC on a two year deal, becoming the Club's
eighth signing of the off season, following pre-season acquisitions Ivan
Franjic, Steve Kuzmanovski, Corey Gameiro, Harry Novillo, Michael Zullo, Aaron
Hughes and Wade Dekker.
Nicknamed El
Tuna - or 'The Prickly Pear' - Fornaroli began his career at Uruguayan club
Nacional, starring in the club's youth ranks alongside Barcelona's Luis Suarez,
while he also represented Uruguay at under-17 level in 2003.
The
striker's breakout season came during his first senior campaign with Nacional
in 2008, with Fornaroli scoring on 17 occasions in 37 appearances across the
Uruguayan Primera Division and Copa Libertadores.
Following
interest from Europe, Fornaroli completed spells for Serie A side Sampdoria and
Greek Super League outfit Panathinaikos before returning to Uruguay to link up
with most recent club Danubio FC.
A striker
with speed, agility and technical skill, van't Schip believes Fornaroli fits
the profile of the number 9 he desires for this season.
"Bruno
is the type of player we have been looking for and we are excited to welcome
him to Melbourne City FC," van't Schip said.
"We
believe Bruno’s experience in South America and his technical ability as a
number 9 will greatly complement our other attacking players.
“Bruno will
join us immediately in training this week and will be available for our FFA Cup
campaign as we prepare for the start of the A-League season.”
Fornaroli
underwent his medical at the City Football Academy in Manchester, before
training for a week with Manchester City FC’s Elite Development Squad, under
Patrick Vieria.
The Club’s
latest signing arrived in Melbourne on Monday, with Fornaroli meeting and
training with his teammates at Melbourne’s City Football Academy.
“The Club
has made me feel very welcome, the whole staff and the playing group have
received me well and made me feel comfortable,” Fornaroli said.
“Fans can
expect lots of sacrifice for the shirt, that’s the first thing I put in my head
when I arrive at a club.”
Fornaroli
will wear the jersey number 23 and fill Melbourne City FC’s fourth VISA squad
position.
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