City seal an Italian job

Oxford City have pulled off a sensational coup of former Watford and Sheffield Wednesday attacker Fernando Forestieri.

The 36-year-old Italian has been part of the PFA’s summer training camp while looking to get a club back in England following a spell in Cyprus at AEL Limassol. Forestieri – who has played in Serie A with Udinese and La Liga with Malaga – was a teammate of Hoops boss Ross Jenkins at Watford.

And he’s determined to make an impact in the National League North.

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.” Forestieri, who was born in Argentina to Italian parents and represented the Azzurri up to U21s, first came to England in 2012 to Championship outfit Watford where he helped them to promotion to the Premier League.

He later joined Sheffield Wednesday where he quickly became a fans’ favourite, being named the player of the year and finishing top scorer, as the Owls reached the Championship playoff final in 2016.

CITY SLICKER: Fernando Forestieri is a real coup

PICTURE: Oxford City FC

Oxford City boss 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.”