Paartalu has been clubless since leaving Qatari side Al Kharaitiyat in December last year.

Before that the 31-year old had a difficult spell with Korean club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, who he joined in February 2016 from Melbourne City.

Bengaluru FC play in the I-League and were recently granted a spot in the Indian Super League for the 2017/2018 season.

Australian midfielder Cameron Watson, who played for Newcastle and Adelaide United in the A-League, was on the books at the Blues last season.
 




Paartalu said he was recommended Bengaluru FC by Watson.

“I was really excited by the Bengaluru FC project because it is a club that’s doing really well for itself in an expanding market," he told the club's website.

"Indian football is getting bigger and bigger. It felt like the right project to get involved with. I spoke with Cameron Watson and he sold it to me in terms of where the club is. They’ve been very successful in the last four years and are looking to make major steps in the Indian Super League.

“I’ve played in a lot of countries in Asia so that experience is invaluable when it comes to playing games on different continents with short turnarounds. I look forward to playing in the Indian Super League and I know I can do well in the League with a good team around me.”

Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca said the former Socceroo's experience will help his squad.


“A lot of things change for us this season and experience is what will play a key role during this phase, Roca said.

"Erik brings that kind of experience with him and I’m certain he will be a vital figure at Bengaluru FC."