Forestieri finds a new FA Cup stage with Oxford City

The story

Fernando Forestieri is preparing for an FA Cup meeting with Leicester City after taking his career to sixth-tier Oxford City.

The 36-year-old’s new surroundings are a striking change from a career that brought encounters with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. BBC Sport reports that his Oxford City debut came at Hebburn in front of 873 spectators.

A different setting, familiar ambition

Forestieri played 81 minutes in that 3–0 win, beginning a chapter far removed from the largest stages on which he has appeared. The Leicester tie now gives Oxford City a chance to put their football in front of a wider audience.

The attraction is the contrast at the heart of the cup: an experienced player bringing his knowledge to a smaller club, with a high-profile opponent providing an immediate test.