FC Pune City have signed Emiliano Alfaro for the 2017 edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). The Uruguayan striker -- who has also played in his country, Italy and the UAE -- had represented NorthEast United FC last season and was their top scorer with five goals in 13 appearances. Only Delhi Dynamos' Marcelinho (10) and Atletico de Kolkata's Iain Hume (seven) scored more goals than him in the ISL last year.
Alfaro began his professional career with Uruguay's leading national premier division club Liverpool FC in 2006. After being the top scorer there for two consecutive seasons, he was called for the national team against Italy in a friendly match in 2011. He later spent three seasons with Italian club Lazio.
Pune City head coach Antonio Habas described Alfaro, the club's first foreign signing, as a complete player who was well-suited to their attacking style of football. "He is very smart in making attacking moves and is also solid in defence when needed and am sure that's going to be an asset to the team," Habas said.
Speaking about his new club, Alfaro said, "It was a good season in the ISL last year and it's time for me to find a new challenge. FC Pune City has good plans in place and I hope my stint with them is fruitful and I can make an indelible impression on the fans, especially the Orange Army."