FC Pune City have roped in the services of Englishman Matthew Mills for the upcoming season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL). The 32-year-old joins the club as a free agent after previously representing English club Barnsley.

A product of the Southampton youth setup, Mills rose through the ranks to make his senior team debut in 2003 and stayed at the club till 2006, a period which saw him being loaned out to Coventry City and Bournemouth. The 32-year-old then joined the Premier League outfit Manchester City in 2006 and was with the with the team till 2008.

However, injury layoffs limited the number of appearances he could make for the first team. The centre-half would go on to represent a host of other teams including Bolton Wanderers, Reading FC and Leicester City. Mills has also played for his national side at the U19 level.

In a press release by FC Pune City, Mills spoke of some of the reasons which influenced him to join the Hero ISL club. “As a footballer, it becomes important to join a club that has a vision and is professional. And that’s exactly what came across while I was discussing my role with the FC Pune City. The club’s ambition to reach new heights maintaining a healthy balance between young and experienced players is a refreshing and exciting prospect.”

The defender will bring valuable experience and leadership to the Stallions’ backline. With the foreign additions of Iain Hume and Martin Diaz, Pune have emerged as one of the strongest teams heading into the new season. New head Miguel Portugal will be eager to make an impression, given the plethora of talent at his disposal.

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