Indian SL: FC Pune City confirm Bikey signing

FC Pune City have confirmed the signings of Spanish central midfielder Bruno Herrero Arias and Cameroonian defensive midfielder Andre Bikey for the 2016 edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). The duo represented NorthEast United FC last season.

Goal had revealed that Pune City were close to agreeing a deal for Arias as early as mid-April when the 31-year-old was plying his trade at Atletico Baleares in the Segunda Division B, which is the third tier football league in Spain after La Liga and Segunda Division.

Goal had also reported about the Pune based club’s advanced talks with Bikey along with fellow team-mate Nicolas Velez, although the later’s former employers swooped in and secured the deal.

Commenting on the signings, FC Pune City CEO Gaurav Modwel said, “Bruno is one of the finest passers in the ISL. His experience in anchoring the centre will be of great value to the team. Andre on the other hand is a strong character and has all round abilities to play according to the team’s needs. I’m sure all our young players will have a lot to learn from Bruno and Andre both.”

A product of Spanish club Sevilla FC’s youth system, Bruno made first-team appearances before joining Real Murcia who earned promotion to the La Liga. In 2013, he represented Buriram United in the Thai Premier League, where he won both league and cup with the side.

Bikey represented Cameroon in the Beijing Olympics in 2008. The centre-half, who can also play in midfield, started his career with Spanish side Espanyol, moved to Shinnik Yaroslavl in Russia before signing for Lokomotiv Moscow in 2005. He joined Reading on loan in 2006 before completing a permanent transfer a year later for £1m, making over 70 appearances for the Berkshire side.

Head coach Antonio Habas stated, “Bruno always has had a powerful presence, competing for every ball, and putting his opponents under constant pressure. His ability with the ball to navigate it away from the opposition and feed it to the forwards is impeccable. Bikey adds depth to our defensive unit and as and when team needs, he is more than capable of slipping into the role of a midfielder too.”

Representing his third club in third ISL season after previously representing the likes of Delhi Dynamos and NorthEast United, Bruno said, “I am thankful to FC Pune City for providing me a new challenge. Can’t wait to join Spanish manager (Antonio) Habas and others at FC Pune City. Fans can expect nothing less than 100 % from me.”

On his move, Bikey expressed, “I am thrilled to be a part of FC Pune City. It’s good to come back and play in this ever-growing league with a professional outfit like this. My efforts will be to ensure Orange Army has more reasons to cheer.”

Co-owner and Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan welcomed the addition of the two experienced hands. “Bruno brings that Spanish touch on the field with his immaculate passing. On the other hand, Andre brings the solidity and strength at the back. Their addition to our squad shows that we are determined to win,” he said.