Pune, Aug 24 (IANS): FC Pune City announced the signing of Argentine defender Diego Colotto for the second edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) on Monday.

The 32-year-old has been playing for Espanyol in the Spanish top division for the last three years. Before that, he represented former La Liga champions Deportivo La Coruna from 2008 to 2012.

The central defender was also a member of the Cardiff City squad that finished runners-up in the 2008 FA Cup.

Colotto was also part of the Argentine U-20 team that won the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship on home soil. He played every minute of every match during the competition and scored the opening goal in the 3-0 win over Ghana in the final.

"It's a new world for me. FC Pune City have lined up an exciting squad with a great mix of experience and youth and David Platt at the helm. I hope my experience will be of great use to the boys in the side," the Argentine defender was quoted as saying in a release.

"Diego has spent last seven years in La Liga with just two clubs showing he has consistency and reliability that are characteristics we were looking for to close our defensive line up of players," Pune City head coach David Platt said.

"I am looking forward to him meeting up with the rest of the squad so we can include him in our preparations."

Colotto is Pune City's ninth signing for this season. They had earlier signed former Inter Milan striker Adrian Mutu, Ivory Coast World Cupper Didier Zokora, Turkish forward Tuncay Sanli among others.

Colotto will join the squad in Turkey where the team is currently undergoing pre-season training.