Pune: Pune Football Club and midfielder Arata Izumi have agreed upon extending their association for another year. As a result the Japanese-born Indian national will stay with I-League runners-up Pune FC until the end of the 2014-15 season. Pune FC Head Operation, Chirag Tanna said: "We are glad to have extended Arata's contract. He epitomises what we are trying to achieve at the club on and off the field."
The contract extension translates into Arata's total commitment to Pune FC ever since gaining promotion into the top flight league in 2009. Arata said: "It's another interesting innings to start. Thank you Pune FC family and fans. Keep the faith!." Having made Pune his home base, Arata has so far made over 100 appearances for the club.
The reigning 'Pune FC Fans Player of the Year 2012-13' helped the club achieve its best-ever finish in the I-League and emerged the joint-third highest scorer with five goals to his name. Thirty-one year-old Arata initially joined Pune FC as PIO (Person of Indian Origin) in 2009 and was registered as an Indian player last season after he received Indian nationality in August 2012.
The midfielder also achieved his dream of playing international football for India making his debut against Palestine in February 2013. In doing so, he became the first-ever PIO to represent India in the sport.
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