Erik Paartalu

Erik Paartalu Biography

Erik Paartalu is a professional football player who was born on 3 May 1986 in Sydney, Australia.

He has represented Australian National Team as well as a number of Asian and European football clubs. At the present time, he plays as a Defensive Midfielder for Bengaluru FC in Indian Super League.

Background

Paartalu started his youth career with the junior team of Northern Spirit FC, a former football club that competed in the National Soccer League, Australia. Later, he played for New South Wales Institute of Sport in 2000-01.

Paartalu did enough in club football to earn a place in Australia U-17 squad and in 2003, he get an opportunity to represent Australia U-17 team at the World Championship and played team’s all three games in the tournament.

Debut

After a decent youth career, Paartalu made his debut on 11 January 2004, playing as a substitute for Northern Spirit FC in the NSL against Melbourne Knights. Although, it was his first and last game for Northern Spirit FC as the club was dissolved later.

Afterwards, Paartalu switched to Northern Tigers and played 2004 New South Wales Winter Super League. He played 17 games for the club in the season and scored 4 goals.

During the late months of 2004, he moved to Parramatta Eagles and played New South Wales Premier League. He appeared in 28 matches for the Eagles in the period of 2004 to 2006 and netted two goals.

Rise to glory

Paartalu had always been amazing in the midfield but after joining Brisbane Roar on 24 February 2010, he touched new heights.

He remained a significant player for the club throughout the period, scoring some deciding goals and providing some helpful assists. In the 2011 A-League Grand Final, he netted a goal in the 120th minute of the game to equal the score and later, he won the title for his team scoring the second penalty.

He was also awarded the Solo Goal of the Year for 2010-11 A-League season for scoring a volley against Gold Coast United.

Paartalu featured in all the matches for Brisbane Roar in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons of A-League and AFC Champions League, winning A-League championship twice and A-League Premiership once.

On 15 September 2014, Paartalu came back in Australia and joined Melbourne City FC after playing in the Chinese Super League and Thai Premier League. He claimed 7 goals for the club, playing 40 games.

Club career

Paartalu has played for various football clubs in various leagues across the globe apart from Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City FC.

In 2006-2008, he played for Scottish club Gretna, scoring 4 goals in 35 games. Stirling Albion, Greenock Morton, Tianjin Teda, Muangthong United, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Al Kharaitiyat are some other clubs he played for.

On 5 July 2017, he signed a one-year deal with ISL club Bengaluru FC and made his debut for the club on 23 August 2017 in a AFC Cup game.

He has become a key player for the team in the midfield, appearing in 13 ISL game till date, and scoring 3 goals.