Tuesday 18 August 2015 17:59, UK
Roger Johnson has become the latest English player to move to the Indian Super League after agreeing to join FC Pune City for the forthcoming season.
Pune, who are managed by former Manchester City assistant boss David Platt, have already signed Nicky Shorey, ex-Everton and Rangers goalkeeper Steven Simonsen and former Barnsley midfielder James Bailey.
The Maharashtra-based outfit have also recruited three additional players with Premier League experience in former Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora, ex-Middlesborough striker Tuncay Sanli, and Chelsea old boy Adrian Mutu.
Johnson brings a wealth of experience to the Indian Super League, having played almost 500 games in total in the Football League and Premier League.
The 32-year-old began his career at Wycombe before moving to Cardiff in 2006 where he made 135 appearances for the Bluebirds.
Spells at Birmingham City and Wolves followed before a loan move to West Ham for the second half of the 2013-14 season. Johnson signed a short-term deal with Charlton earlier this year and played 14 games for the Championship side last term.
Meanwhile, last season's runners-up Kerala Blasters – managed by former England U21 boss Peter Taylor – have signed former Queens Park Rangers centre-back Bruno Perone.
Elsewhere, Chennaiyin player-boss Marco Materazzi has signed his former Perugia team-mate Manuele Blasi. The former Roma and Juventus midfielder has played eight times for Italy and Materazzi is convinced Blasi will be a major asset for his side.
"We are very happy that Manuele has signed for our club," the Chennaiyin boss said. "Manuele is a player I know very well, having played with him as well in the Italian national team.
"He has played for some of the biggest clubs of Italy and in high profile matches for club and country. He will bring plenty of quality and experience to our team. He has all the attributes of a top central midfielder and that is exactly what we were looking for.
"I am sure the younger players in the team, especially the Indians will get to learn a lot from him and he will definitely make a big difference on the pitch individually also."