Iain Hume and FC Pune City reached an agreement as the Canadian striker signed with the Pune based club for the 2018-19 season. FC Pune City will have an option to retain Hume for one more year at the end of the coming season.
Hume, who is the highest goal scorer in the history of Indian Super League, has plied his trade in ISL with Kerala Blasters FC and ATK scoring 28 goals in four seasons. Besides his 59 appearances till date is the highest number of games played by any player in ISL.
In February, Hume suffered a knee injury that ruled him out of action for the rest of season. Thereafter, Hume has undergone a surgery on his right knee and has been doing his rehabilitation in India and the UK.
Commenting on the signing, FC Pune City CEO Gaurav Modwel said, “Iain Hume got injured during last season and he has now undergone almost six months of rehabilitation post his surgery. He will continue his rehab under the supervision of our medical team and train with the team during preseason. If everything goes as planned, we estimate him to be back in 12-14 weeks’ time. Iain is a highly motivated athlete and we are sure that he will get back to his previous best and play an important role for us this season.”
FC Pune City is co-owned by the Rajesh Wadhawan Group and Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor.
“It wasn’t a very tough decision to make, to return to the ISL and join FC Pune City, if I’m honest,” Hume said after signing the dotted line for Pune City. “From the other side, I’ve always admired the top-class facilities at the training ground and the stadium and the way the club is professionally run. I’ve had long chats with the club and its medical team, and I’m sure together we can make my recovery as quick as possible and back doing what I do best as soon as possible.”
“I’ve had a very good past four seasons in the ISL at both Kerala Blasters and ATK and still have a very good relationship with both clubs and sets of fans. The relationship I have (that I’m sure most know) with 'Manjappada' is one that’s special and I’m sure will continue. But like every footballer, now that things are confirmed, I will give my wholehearted efforts to make sure I’m back 100 per cent as soon as I can and give my blood, sweat and tears for FC Pune City and prove that their trust in me won’t go unrewarded. Look forward to meeting all the coaches, medical staff, all my new teammates and of course, all the fans over the next few weeks,” Hume added.