From Argentine prodigy to English non-league: the nomadic journey of Fernando Forestieri
In short: At just thirteen, he was a $50,000 talent in Argentina. By his twenties, he was a Premier League-bound star in England. Trace the remarkable, globe-trotting career of a player whose technical versatility has taken him from the heights of Serie A to the Malaysian Super League.
Born in Rosario, Argentina, to Italian parents, Fernando Forest or Forestieri’s career began with a rapid ascent. After starting at Newell's Old Boys in 2003, he secured a $50,000 contract with Boca Juniors. However, his path soon led to Italy, where he joined Genoa at age 16. His early years were marked by high-stakes transfers and legal disputes; in 2006, Boca Juniors even contested the regularity of his move to Genoa, refusing a €300,000 compensation fee.
Forestieri’s career is defined by his ability to adapt as a 'trequartista,' capable of playing as a winger, second striker, or wide midfielder. This flexibility saw him navigate the upper echelons of European football, including stints at Siena, Udinese, and Watford. At Watford, he became a cult hero, notably contributing to Troy Deeney’s legendary last-minute winner against Leicester City in May 2013. His impact in England was profound, earning him a permanent deal and even prompting goalkeeper Manuel Almunia to remark on his resemblance to Lionel Messi.
The latter stages of his career have been equally nomadic. After a successful period at Sheffield Wednesday, where he was named Player of the Year for the 2015–16 season, he moved to the Malaysian giants Johor Darul Ta'zim. In Asia, he secured his first club trophies, including the Piala Sumbangsih, and recorded a spectacular 10–0 victory featuring a hat-trick. Following a second spell at Udinese, Forestieri eventually returned to England to join Oxford City in the National League North, completing a remarkable circuit of the footballing world.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Fernando Forestieri
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