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Pune City FC are in talks with Brazilian, Marcelo Leite Pereira (aka Marcelinho) and Uruguayan, Emiliano Alfaro over possible contract extensions, after the duo played major roles in the Stallions' success last season and catapulted them to the semi-finals for the very first time.
The duo was largely responsible for Pune's ascent and more importantly worked in tandem creating chances and finding the net no less than 17 times between them. Retaining the forwards is therefore vital for manager Ranko Popovic, who will aim to go one better in the next season of the ISL, Sportskeeda has learnt.
Prior to that, however, the Super Cup beckons and Pune FC, who are in the Round of 16, will hope that their tried and tested attackers continue to find the target.
Marcelinho, who started his career with the Flamengo junior side, began his ISL stint with Delhi Dynamos in August 2016. He moved to Brazilian club Aval FC n January 2017. In eight months, however, he was back in India and signed up for Pune City FC.
The Brazilian winger has played in Greece with Atromitos Athens and has often referred to the Mediterranian country as his second home. His UEFA experience has proven to be invaluable in the ISL for both Delhi Dynamos and FC Pune City.
Scoring a total of eight goals with seven assists in 17 matches for FC Pune, the Brazilian ensured that he met the expectations of Pune fans who were looking up to him to repeat his previous ISL performance.
The former ISL Golden Boot winner found an ally up-front in Uruguayan, Emiliano Alfaro Toscano and together they proved unstoppable.
Striker Emiliano Alfaro started his career with Liverpool Montevideo at the age of 16. His ISL stint began with NorthEast United FC. After a move to Al-Fujairah, he returned to India and joined FC Pune City.
The 29-year-old from Montevideo, nicknamed El Picaro has been just as prolific as his Brazilian teammate.
Alfaro's stats for Pune speak for themselves. Nine goals and two assists in 19 matches make him the top scorer for his side.
