City add talisman to ranks. Oxford City Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of highly-rated Italian forward Fernando Forestieri, subject to international clearance. The experienced attacker joins the Hoops following his departure from Cypriot side AEL Limassol, returning to English football after highly successful spells with Watford and Sheffield Wednesday. A cult hero at both clubs, Forestieri also brings experience from some of Europe’s biggest stages, having represented Málaga in La Liga and Udinese in Serie A. The high-profile addition reunites Forestieri with former Watford teammate and current City Manager Ross Jenkins, while further strengthening the squad as City look to build on their strong start to the Enterprise National League North campaign. Speaking after completing his move to the Hoops, Forestieri said: “I’m looking forward to coming back to England. “I’m happy to be here, and it means a lot to my family now who are settled in England. “I know Ross [Jenkins] and Robbo [Paul Robinson]. He was at Birmingham when I played, and there are very nice people here. “I will try my best to help the team.” Oxford City Manager Ross Jenkins added: “I’m extremely pleased to get Fernando on board with us this season. “He’s a player with great experience and knowledge which will help our younger players. “Having played with Fernando, I can certainly say he’s got tremendous ability and a great character, which will only benefit our squad moving forward.” Born in Rosario, Argentina, Forestieri began his career with hometown club Newell’s Old Boys before joining Boca Juniors at youth level. He subsequently moved to Italy, linking up with Genoa before spells with Siena and Vicenza. His performances earned him a move to Spain, where he joined Málaga for a reported €1.5 million. Born to Italian parents, Forestieri opted to represent Italy internationally, featuring for the Azzurri at Under-17, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level. During this period, he also joined Udinese before enjoying loan spells with Empoli and Bari. Forestieri arrived in England in 2012, joining Watford and quickly making an instant impact at Vicarage Road. His initial loan spell was made permanent following an impressive start, and he played a key role as the Hornets reached the Championship Play-Offs. He was also involved in one of the most memorable moments in Watford's history, playing his part in the remarkable comeback against Leicester City in the 2013/14 Play-Off Semi-Final, which culminated in Troy Deeney's famous last-gasp winner. The following season, Forestieri helped Watford secure promotion to the Premier League before moving to Sheffield Wednesday. At Hillsborough, he became a firm favourite with the Owls, finishing as the club's top goalscorer during the 2015/16 season and being named Sheffield Wednesday Player of the Year. After his successful spell in England, Forestieri returned to Italy with Udinese in Serie A before moving overseas to Malaysian giants Johor Darul Ta'Zim, where he featured in the AFC Champions League. Most recently, Forestieri played for Cypriot side AEL Limassol. Now, the 36-year-old returns to England and begins a new chapter with Oxford City. Welcome to Oxford, Fernando!   submitted by   /u/MERTENS_GOAT [link]   [comments]