Mumbai, July 26 (IANS) Indian Super League (ISL) franchise FC Pune City on Tuesday announced the signing of foreigners Bruno Arias and Andre Bikey to strengthen their midfield options for the forthcoming third edition of the tournament.
Both Arias and Bikey earlier represented NorthEast United FC in the 2015 ISL season.
A product of Spanish club Sevilla FC youth system, Arias 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 one million pounds, making over 70 appearances for the Berkshire side.
"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," FC Pune City's head coach Antonio Habas said.
Representing his third club in as many ISL seasons, Bruno said, "I am thankful to FC Pune City for providing me a new challenge. Canât wait to join Spanish manager (Antonio) Habas and others at FC Pune City. Fans can expect nothing less than 100 percent from me."
Bikey was equally excited about his move to FC Pune.
"I am thrilled to be a part of FC Pune City. Itâs 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," Bikey said.
