Fernando Forestieri makes shock return to English football

Fernando Forestieri has made a surprise return to English football after six years away from the EFL, joining National League North side Oxford City.

The 36-year-old had been without a club since leaving Cypriot outfit AEL Limassol at the end of his contract this summer.

Forestieri kept himself in shape during the off-season by taking part in the PFA’s pre-season programme, which provides free agents with the opportunity to maintain professional fitness levels while searching for their next move.

His efforts have now paid off, with Oxford City securing his signature as they look to build on an encouraging start to the campaign.

The Hoops currently sit third in the National League North after 10 matches, just three points behind leaders Hereford.

Forestieri’s arrival also reunites him with Oxford City manager Ross Jenkins. The pair know each other from their time at Watford, having played together before Jenkins left the Hornets in 2014.

Speaking after completing his move, Forestieri admitted that returning to England was something he was keen to achieve.

“I’m looking forward to coming back to English football,” he said.

“When I was at the PFA 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’s return will be of interest to fans who remember his previous spell in English football.

The Italian spent three seasons with Watford and, although he never became a guaranteed starter, he produced flashes of quality whenever given the opportunity.

He arrived at Vicarage Road with a sizeable reputation and was even compared to Lionel Messi early in his career.

The forward ultimately became something of a cult figure rather than a central player for the Hornets, but one of his most memorable contributions came during Watford’s dramatic 2013 Championship play-off campaign.

Forestieri played a part in the build-up to Troy Deeney’s iconic last-minute winner against Leicester City in the semi-final second leg, a moment that remains one of the most famous finishes in English football.

Now, six years after his last EFL appearance, the six-time Italy international has another opportunity to make an impact on English soil.

Oxford City will be hoping his experience and attacking quality can help them maintain their promotion push as Forestieri begins the latest chapter of his career.