Jeonju: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors continue to reinforce ahead of the new season after announcing the signing of Australian midfielder Erik Paartalu.
Jeonbuk, the reigning champions of Korea Republic’s K League Classic, are currently preparing for the upcoming 2016 AFC Champions League, where they will kick off their Group E campaign against either Japan’s FC Tokyo or Thailand’s Chonburi on February 23.
And it now appears that they have finalised their four import players for the tournament after confirming the arrival of Paartalu on their official website on Thursday.
The defensive midfielder is now the fourth foreigner, and the only one from an AFC nation, at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium, joining Brazilians Luiz Henrique, Leonardo and Ricardo Lopes.
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The move for Paartalu also comes as another statement of intent over the club’s ambitions for the coming season, as the announcement of his deal came shortly after a similar statement was released on the signing of Korea Republic international Kim Shin-wook from Ulsan Hyundai.
Paartalu, who has previous AFC Champions League experience with Brisbane Roar in 2012, also had spells in China and Thailand with Tianjin Teda and Muangthong United respectively, but last plied his trade in the A-League with Melbourne City.
The 29-year-old said: “I have always wanted to play in the jersey of such a successful team.
“I will try to use my experience and skills to be an asset to the club.”
Paartalu, who has two caps for Australia to his name, has tasted success in the past after winning the A-League Championship and Premiership in his time at Roar, as well as the Scottish First Division with Gretna.
Source: the-afc.com