FC Pune City have announced the signing of defensive midfielder Jonathan Vila to add more solidity to their midfield ahead of the 2018-19 season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL). The Spaniard will team up with the likes of Marcos Tebar, Jonatan Lucca and Adil Khan in the middle of the park. 

The 32-year-old began his youth career at Spanish club Celta de Vigo and came up the ranks to make his La Liga debut in 2006. He also played for Celta in the UEFA Cup 2006-2007. After a decade-long association with the club, he joined Beitar Jerusalem FC in 2014 on loan and played in the Israeli Premier League. 

Vila returned to his country after his Israeli stint to join Real Oviedo, before signing for Recreativo de Huelva in 2017. Hero ISL will be a new challenge for the Spaniard and he is definitely looking forward to the journey. “I am turning a new page in my career and this will be my first season in India. Adapting a new culture and lifestyle is a part of this new challenge and I will make sure that I create a positive impact with my game on fans and the club,” Vila said. 

Pune City’s CEO Gaurav Modwel was all praises for the new recruit, “Jonathan is a midfielder who likes to sit in front of the back four. His proficiency in performing defensive duties in midfield and his ability to build attacks from the back will be ideal for us.” 

 The Stallions new head coach, Miguel Angel Portugal was also delighted with the addition of Vila to his squad. “Vila’s work ethic is tremendous and his vast experience in midfield will be vital for our squad. To my mind, he is a right fit for our plans for the coming season and the team will look up to him to shoulder responsibilities on and off the field.” 

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2018-2019