The 27-year-old, who helped Bunyodkor clinch the Uzbekistan League and Cup titles last year, will stay with the team till the end of this year. He also played a crucial role in the club’s AFC Champions League campaign.

Villanueva, who scored 14 goals in 19 appearances for Bunyodkor, said: “It is a great honor for me to stay with Bunyodkor. I’ve become very close with the team during this short period and training conditions here are close to ideal.” He scored four goals in as many games in the knock-out stages of the continental championship.

“We were one step away from the AFC Champions League final last year and this time I would like to better that performance. I will try my best to help Bunyodkor get this silverware,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bunyodkor defeated Ukrainian outfit Metallist during their training camp in the UAE recently. Brazilian Rivaldo scored match’s only goal in the 55th minute.