Pune: The Rajesh Wadhawan Group-owned FC Pune City today announced that it has signed English footballer and former Arsenal and Liverpool player Jermaine Pennant as a replacement to injured Colombian Omar Andres Rodrigues Martinez. Omar Rodrigues has been ruled out of the rest of the Indian Super League season due to a kidney ailment. Pennant joined the side on November 5, 2014 ahead of the teams away game against Ateletico De Kolkata.

“It is unfortunate that Omar has to leave midway due to a kidney condition and we wish him a speedy recovery”, said Gaurav Modwel, CEO, FC Pune City said. He further added “We are extremely pleased to have signed Jermaine, who brings with him invaluable experience of playing at legendary clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool. The team is shaping up well and Jermaine’s inclusion will provide an impetus to the team’s morale.”

Jermaine Pennant joined Arsenal in 1999, at the age of 15 years, from his first club Notts County and remained there until 2005. In 2006 he moved to Liverpool on a four-year contract, and played over 50 times for them. He was instrumental in Liverpool's run to the 2007 UEFA Champions League Final, where he was one of the stand-out performers. During his career he also played for Premier League sides Stoke City, Birmingham City and Portsmouth, and also played in Spain's La Liga for Real Zaragoza. Though never capped as a full England international, he played for the England under-21 team more than 20 times.

Franco Colomba, Head Coach, FC Pune City said, “I wish Omar speedy recovery and hope he gets back on the pitch soon. He is a great player but due to health reasons we are replacing him with another brilliant player, Jermaine Pennant. His experience of playing in top flight European league will be of great asset to the team”

FC Pune City is currently placed fifth in the point’s table after beating North East United FC at home on November 3rd and will take on Athletico De Kolkata on Friday, November 7th at the YuvaBharatiKridangan stadium, Salth Lake, Kolkata.