Bengaluru FC's Erik Paartalu extends stay with club until end of 2020

Bengaluru: Australian midfielder Erik Paartalu has signed a new contract with Bengaluru FC which keeping him with the Blues until the end of the 2019-2020 season. Paartalu's signing comes a day after Bengaluru announced that they had extended the contract of goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu for a five-year period. Paartalu has been with the Blues since July 2017, during which time he has established himself as one of the most impressive midfielders in the Indian Super League, scoring five goals in the Blue shirt, while being a mainstay in Albert Roca's side.

Second-string Bengaluru FC up against Abahani Dhaka

"It's been an amazing journey at Bengaluru FC so far. Without a shadow of doubt, signing for another two years was an easy decision to make for me. I hope we have continued success together and know that I will continue to give every ounce of myself each and every time I pull on the Blue jersey," said Paartalu after signing the deal.

#BigEStays #Paartalu2020 💪 pic.twitter.com/qJEVU8pydq

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) March 14, 2018

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Paartalu scored a brace in Bengaluru's 4-1 win over Delhi Dynamos at home and once against FC Goa away from home in the ISL. He also scored twice in the AFC Cup preliminary and play-off stages.

Paartalu has been named in the AFC Cup squad for Bengaluru FC as well. He's an important cog of coach Albert Roca's plans and system. With a towering stature, Estonian-descent Paartalu is a threat for opposition sides during set-pieces.

Big E signed some things for a few fans yesterday. Go on and watch! #BigEhttps://t.co/YD6r5El2kv

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) March 14, 2018

Towering at 6'4", the Sydney-born Paartalu began his career in the National Soccer League, now the A-League, with Northern Spirit. He then spent a few seasons at Brisbane Roar.

Paartalu then moved to Chinese side Tianjin TEDA FC in 2013. In 2014, he switched to Muangthong United in Thailand. He had a horrid time at South Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai, where he was forced to train alone as he did not fit into the gaffer's plans.

Ahead of tonight's @AFCCup South Zone opener, we bring you some interesting facts from the Blues' camp. #BENvALD #BlueBytes pic.twitter.com/dl8QYWiTA8

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) March 14, 2018

The midfielder earned his first senior national team cap in 2012, playing in a World Cup Qualifier for Australia against Saudi Arabia.

Source: BFC Media