Melbourne City FC can confirm it has signed Uruguayan, Adrián Luna on a two-year deal ahead of the 2019/20 season.
The 27-year-old attacker has played almost 300 matches in multiple competitions in Uruguay, Spain and Mexico, scoring 38 goals and registering 36 assists, while developing a reputation as both a playmaker and goal-scorer.
Competing in one of the most successful national team set ups in the world, Luna earned five caps for the Uruguay U-17 national team and participated the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup (one goal). He also featured for Uruguay’s U-20 national team on 14 occasions and scored seven goals.
Melbourne City Director of Football, Michael Petrillo said Luna would offer added creativity and goal threat in the attacking third.
“Adrián Luna is a creative, attacking midfield player with a proven ability to beat defenders, play key passes and take his chances in front of goal,” said Petrillo
“He has impressive experience from the top leagues in Spain and Mexico which will help him find success in the A-League.
“Similar to other recent signings, Luna has signed on a multi-year contract, bringing stability to the squad season-to-season as we focus on achieving league success and reaching the Asian Champions League for the first time.”
Commenting on his arrival, Luna said:
“I’m very proud to come and play for Melbourne City FC and can’t wait to get out on the pitch for the first time in front of the home supporters,” said Luna.
“I like to play football on the front foot and link up with my teammates to create and score goals, whether I’m playing in the midfield or up front.
“I share the same ambitions as the club and the head coach; to win by playing exciting, attacking football. I have come to help the team achieve success this season and make the fans proud.”
Prior to his professional career, Luna played in the Montevideo Wanderers youth system with fellow City signing, Javier Cabrera, when the two were just 14-years old before being reunited six years later with Uruguay’s U-20s
Luna began his professional career in Uruguay at Montevideo’s Defensor Sporting (38 appearances, four goals) before moving to Espanyol in Spain’s La Liga. While in Spain, Luna had loan spells at Gimnastic de Tarragona in Segunda Division B, CE Sabadell also in Segunda Division B, and leading Uruguayan Primera Division Club Nacional.
Between 2013 and 2015, the attacker returned to Defensor Sporting in Uruguay, where he made 51 appearances and scored 12 goals. He then moved to Mexico, where he represented Venados (23 appearances, five goals) and most recently Tiburones Rojos de Veracruz (71 appearances, seven goals).
Luna will shortly join up with rest of the City squad, including new signings, Josh Brillante, Javier Cabrera, Craig Noone, Richard Windbichler and Scott Galloway, for pre-season training at CFA Melbourne.
Melbourne City FC Current Squad List 2019-20 Season
Mark Birighitti (GK), Dean Bouzanis (GK), Scott Jamieson, Scott Galloway, Harrison Delbridge, Curtis Good, Richard Windbichler, Nathaniel Atkinson, Rostyn Griffiths, Josh Brillante, Denis Genreau, Connor Metcalfe, Lachie Wales, Florin Berenguer, Craig Noone, Javier Cabrera, Adrián Luna, Jamie Maclaren, Ramy Najjarine, Moudi Najjar, Gianluca Iannucci.
Melbourne City FC Confirmed Pre-Season Fixtures
· Tuesday 23 July 2019 vs Oakleigh Cannons – Friendly
· Wednesday 31 July 2019 vs Campbelltown SC – FFA Cup
· Tuesday 6 August 2019 vs Bentleigh Greens – Friendly
