FORMER Colchester United midfielder Mauro Bandeira has signed for Slovenian club NK Tabor Sezana.

The 20-year-old has signed for the Slovenian second-tier club on a free transfer, following his release by Arsenal this summer.

Bandeira said: “I am thrilled to have joined Tabor Sežana and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead of me.

“After arriving yesterday and meeting the president and the coach, I gained a lot of confidence about the club, the culture of the city and the fans. They welcomed me with open arms and I am ready to face the challenges ahead.

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“I can’t wait to meet my team-mates and the rest of the staff. I am determined to do my best and contribute to the team’s success.

"Together, I believe we can achieve great things.”

Bandeira was one of 22 players to be released by Arsenal, in June.

He joined Colchester last summer but had returned to the Gunners early last season, after his season-long loan spell ended in January, following agreement from both clubs.

The midfielder made 11 league and cup appearances and two league starts for the U's after joining them on loan from the Gunners, last summer.

(Image: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

Bandeira was involved for Colchester in pre-season and in the opening weeks of the 2023-24 season under former U's boss, Ben Garner.

But he found himself down the pecking order after that and his last U's appearance came as a substitute in the U's 5-0 defeat at Forest Green Rovers, last October.

Bandeira, who signed his first professional contract at Arsenal in 2022, returned to the Premier League side after both clubs decided that it was best to cut short the loan.

He is now looking forward to a fresh challenge, in Slovenian football.