Forestieri ready for fresh challenge at Oxford City

Former Sheffield Wednesday and Watford forward Fernando Forestieri says he joined sixth-tier side Oxford City for a fresh challenge in his career. The 36-year-old signed a deal with the Hoops over a week ago having left Cypriot first division side Aris Limassol during the summer. Forestieri made 134 appearances during his time at the Owls and played for the Hornets on 92 occasions. His career highlights also include spells at Malaga in La Liga and Udinese in Serie A. He said that this move came about because of his relationship with Oxford City manager Ross Jenkins and first team coach Paul Robinson. "This was a good opportunity and a good project they have," he told BBC Radio Oxford. "It came because I played against Robbo and Ross, Robbo told me why you don't come here to help us? We'll help you to become fit and I said why not. "I want to come back and be close to my family because my base is in the north of London and one month ago we had a newborn, I don't want to be far away from my family." Forestieri started his career in Argentina with Boca Juniors before moving to Italy in 2005 to join Genoa's academy. He mostly remained in Italy up until 2012 when he moved to Watford, before signing for Sheffield Wednesday in 2015. During his time in England he formed a close bond with fans at both clubs, and puts that down to his attitude and commitment on the field. "The affection I got from the (English) fans is unbelievable," he added. "My commitment with both clubs was amazing because I left everything on the pitch, every single game I can play bad or good but my spirit for fans and for the club was amazing." Fernando Forestieri played for Sheffield Wednesday between 2015 and 2020 [Getty Images] Oxford City play in National League North and have had a good start to the campaign, climbing to third in the table. The Hoops have won seven of their opening 11 matches and have the second best goal difference in the league. Forestieri said switching the pristine pitches and conditions of elite football for those of England's sixth tier would not be an issue for him. "When I started playing in Argentina, sometimes the pitch doesn't have grass," he said. "I was born like this in Argentina, when I went out from the school, we took the ball with my friends and we played all the time so sometimes no grass sometimes it was on stone. "A team-mate said come on it's hard to play how you like here after 20 years of professional football, yes I need to adapt and I don't need to forget where I come from. "When you are born with nothing, everything in life is a bonus and it's something good for me. "Any pitch is something nice to me and I appreciate everything." Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds.