Pune, Jun 11 (IANS): Indian Super League (ISL) club FC Pune City retained the services of striker Emiliano Alfaro for the 2018-19 season, it was announced on Monday.

The Uruguayan joined the club in 2017-18 playing each and every match last season.

Speaking on retaining Alfaro, FC Pune City CEO Gaurav Modwel said: "Alfaro has been one of our key core members and a fan favourite too.

"He clocked almost 90 minutes in every game he played last season and his speed and decision making up-front contributed big time to FC Pune City's historic run to it's first ever play-offs. His performance was exemplary and we are glad to have retained his services for the upcoming season," he added.

During his stint with FC Pune City, Alfaro played 19 games and scored 9 goals making him the highest scorer of the club. Alongside skipper Marcelinho, the two were one of the most lethal striking pairs last season.

The striker plied his trade as a professional first in his home country's national premier division club Liverpool FC in 2006.

He donned the national colours against Italy in a friendly match in 2011 that got Italian club Lazio to pick him.

Expressing his happiness, Alfaro said he is looking forward to his second stint with FC Pune City.

"I am excited to don the Orange & Purple of FC Pune City again this season. After being a part of this exciting group last season, the decision to continue was as easy as it gets. I am confident that our team will continue from where it finished last season and give Orange Army more reasons to celebrate," he said.