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# Fernando Forestieri returns to English football with surprise club

- **Source:** 
- **Club:** Watford
- **Original URL:** https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/26604430.fernando-forestieri-makes-shock-return-english-football/?ref=rss

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0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Fernando Forestieri has completed a shock return to English football six years after his last appearance in the EFL.

Forestieri had been a free agent this summer, after leaving Cypriot side AEL Limassol following the expiry of his contract.

The 36-year-old then spent time with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) pre-season initiative over the summer months.

PFA pre-season is designed for free-agent members across all levels of the game to keep fit and sharp, to professional standards, as they look to secure a free transfer to a new club.

Forestieri has now landed at his next club, returning to English football after signing for sixth-tier Oxford City.

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The Hoops are currently third in the National League North, three points behind league leaders Hereford after 10 games, as what looks to be an exciting season for the club takes shape.

Ross Jenkins playing for Watford against Ipswich Town in 2011. (Image: Action Images / Paul Harding)

As well as being on course for a promising campaign, Oxford City are managed by Watford academy graduate Ross Jenkins, who played alongside Forestieri during their time with the Hornets until Jenkins departed in 2014.

Speaking to the Hoops’ media team after signing, Forestieri discussed his eagerness to return to English football.

“I’m looking forward to coming back to English football,” he revealed. “When I was at the [PFA pre-season] camp, I said, ‘Whichever league is coming, I will take it’.

“So, the club wanted to sign me, and I’m more than happy to be here. I’ve missed my family a lot, so to now settle here in England and not move anymore is one of the reasons I wanted to stay here and sign here.”

Forestieri spent three seasons with Watford but, despite an early comparison to the legendary Lionel Messi, he struggled to establish himself as a pivotal player for the Hornets.

Despite not being a constant starter, the six-time Italian international did often impress when given a chance and is perhaps most fondly remembered for his involvement in the build-up to Troy Deeney’s famous play-off semi-final winner against Leicester City in 2013.