Bengaluru FC snap up Ashique Kuruniyan from FC Pune City
Ahead of the 2019 ISL season, Bengaluru FC announced the signing of highly-rated midfielder - Ashique Kuruniyan - who has been picked up from Pune City FC. The 22-year will add depth to BFC's squad as they continue to challenge in the domestic leagues as well as the AFC Cup this season.
Malappuram-born winger Ashique Kuruniyan grabbed eyeballs at this year's AFC Asian Cup held in the UAE with his electrifying pace and ability to run at defenders. Having impressed with Pune City FC in the last edition of the ISL, Kuruniyan has been snapped up by Bengaluru FC on a four-year contract ahead of the upcoming season.
“I am really glad to have committed my future to a club like Bengaluru FC. Every young footballer in the country wants to play for BFC and I am happy to be able to realise this dream. I have a lot to learn from the senior players at the club, as well as the coaching staff and while I know that there is massive competition for places, I am confident and ready for the challenge,” Kuruniyan was quoted as saying by BFC's official site.
The 22-year old began his career at the Pune FC Academy under current BFC Assistant Coach Naushad Moosa back in 2014 before earning a call-up to the national youth team. Ashique featured 26 times in the ISL for FC Pune City during which he scored three goals over the last two seasons.Â
Bengaluru FC coach - Carles Cuadrat - further added that Kuruniyan's acquisition will offer his squad the kind of depth it requires considering the fact that they will be competing in the AFC Cup this season.Â
“Ashique is the kind of player who can help us in both, attack and defence. His talent, pace and guile gives us the right kind of selection problems, but more importantly, gives us options. We’re playing the AFC Cup this season and it’s important that we add Indian talent to the squad for the continental campaign. We’re looking forward to have him join the club,” Cuadrat added.
