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Xtra Time Web Desk: SC East Bengal on Wednesday announced the signing of Croatian defender Franjo Prce on a one year contract. Franjo is the third overseas footballer singing by the Kolkata outfit. Slovenian midfielder Amir Dervišević and Australian defender Tomislav Mrcela are the other two overseas recruits so far. Prce, 25, was part of Italian Serie A side Lazio’s youth team between 2014-15 before graduating to their first team in 2016, making his debut against Torino in the top division. He was with Lazio till 2018, enjoying loan spells with Brescia and U.S. Salernitana during that period.

Commenting on his signing in favour of SC East Bengal, Franjo said,  “I have been on the move from a very young age. I have played in Italy when I was in my formative years as a footballer and it was an amazing experience. Likewise, India excited me and when the offer from such a big club like SC East Bengal came my way, it was a no-brainer,”

He added, “I have played with some of the big names in world football and it has helped me grow on and off the field. I think I can use my experience here in the ISL and try to help my team do well. I am eagerly waiting to experience India and I also know this club has a massive fan base. It’s a shame that they can’t be with us in the stands but we will play for them. We always play for the fans.”

Originally from Herzegovina, Prce lived in Split since the age of nine. After starting his career with the youth academy of Croatian club Hajduk Split, Franjo moved to Lazio in 2014. At Lazio, Prce shared the locker room with the likes of former Germany striker Miroslav Klose and Ciro Immobile, who earlier this year helped Italy win the European Championships.

After his stint in Italy, Prce moved to Croatian club Istra 1961 again on a loan deal before shifting base to Cyprus where he turned out for AC Omonia. Prce also had spells with FC Karpaty Lviv in Ukraine besides playing for NK Varaždin and NK Slaven Belupo at home in Croatia.

Prce  represented the Croatian under-17 team for the 2013 UEFA European Under-17 Championships. He also featured for the team in the 2013 FIFA under-17 World Cup.