Soccer-Australian champions Melbourne City sign playmaker Pucciarelli

The 30-year-old playmaker has joined after a spell on loan in the United Arab Emirates with Dibba following stints with Italian clubs Empoli and Chievo. "Manuel is a really talented player, he has excellent technical skills to play as a midfielder but also the sharpness to play as an attacker which makes him the ideal player for our squad," said City's director of football Michael Petrillo.

Italian midfielder Manuel Pucciarelli has signed a two-year contract with A-League champions Melbourne City, the club announced on Monday. The 30-year-old playmaker has joined after a spell on loan in the United Arab Emirates with Dibba following stints with Italian clubs Empoli and Chievo.

"Manuel is a really talented player, he has excellent technical skills to play as a midfielder but also the sharpness to play as an attacker which makes him the ideal player for our squad," said City's director of football Michael Petrillo. "We took our time in making this choice, not only were we looking for these attributes, we also want a player with the ability and desire to work hard in and out of possession, which is vital for the way we play football."

Pucciarelli joins a City side that won the A-League title for the first time last year, defeating defending champions Sydney FC in the Grand Final in June. He will be able to link up with the rest of the squad in mid-October after completing mandatory quarantine. The new A-League season is scheduled to begin on Oct. 30.

"I'm very excited about joining Melbourne City FC, I've heard a lot of good things about the club and it's always special to join the champions of the A-League," he said.

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