Pune Football Club was an Indian professional football club based in Pune, Maharashtra. The club competed in I-League, then top flight of Indian football league system. The club was one of the most professional clubs in Indian football history, known mainly for their focus on fanfare, professional playing set-up, and focus on youth development. Pune was owned by Ashok Piramal Group.
Pune FC players and staff at the practice ground in 2008
Arata Izumi is the first ever naturalized Indian footballer, who played for both Pune FC and India national team.
Lester Fernandes in away kit of Pune in 2011
Pune FC players (in red) in action during an I-League match against Dempo, 2012.
The I-League is the men's second-tier of the Indian football league system. Currently contested by 12 clubs, It operates as a system of promotion and relegation with the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League 2.
Former Dempo manager Armando Colaco was the longest serving and most successful manager in the history of the I League.
Image: Tilak Maidan Stadium