Konami has confirmed that the forthcoming release of the latest edition of the popular Pro Evolution Soccer series is due to take place in Europe during the autumn.

The Japanese publisher, Konami has announced that the release of PES 2009 is expected across Europe in autumn of this year and will be available on several platforms including PlayStation 2 and 3 and Xbox 360.

In a statement released on 23 June 2008, Konami notes that "PES 2009 is the latest installment of the award-winning Pro Evolution Soccer Series, which is known by millions of fans for its superior game play and incredible realism. For PES 2009, Konami is already planning a raft of extensive new additions that will further bridge the gap between PES and the real thing. The new game has undergone a stunning graphical update to ensure its players look and move even more like their real-life counterparts. Similarly, all new options allow users to tailor the game to their own tastes, while new moves, innovative new control elements and key online elements will further the realism of the new game."

PES enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting the latest edition with its anticipated updates and features. "The announcement of a new PES game is always a highlight for Konami, but PES 2009 looks set to reaffirm the series' utter superiority," commented Jon Murphy, PES Project Leader for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. "We are committed to extending the realism of the new game with a wealth of key game play additions, and will produce a football title that truly embodies all the skill and pace that is good about the modern game."

As of yet there has been no confirmation of PES 2009 versions for the Wii and DS, however, it is believed that this is likely to happen during the next football season.

Let the whistle blow!