Cristian Battocchio joined Maccabi Tel Aviv as the 25-year-old Argentine born midfielder successfully underwent a medical and signed a two-year-deal with an option for a further season. The diminutive midfielder who made 20 appearances for Italy’s U-20 and U-21’s, joins Maccabi on a free transfer after spending the last two seasons in France playing for Stade Brest.
Maccabi’s coach Jordi Cruyff told the club’s official website: “Cristian is the kind of player we feel can give us a different dimension and upgrade our game”.
Cristian told the club: “I am happy to be here and sign for Maccabi. It is a new experience for me to sign for such a big club which will always fight for all the titles and competing in Europe is another challenge I am looking forward to”. 
The Rosario born midfielder who began his playing career at the Youth Academy of Newll’s Old Boys, joined Italian club Udinese in 2009 at the age of 16. In 2012 Battocchio joined Watford on loan and after impressing the Hornets boss Gianfranco Zola made the move to Vicarage Road permanent in 2013.
The arrival of former Maccabi coach Slavisa Jokanovic at Watford in 2014 saw Battocchio return to Italy and join Virtus Entella on loan before switching to Brest for which he scored 8 goals in 35 appearances last season.
