Striker Milson (Milson dos Santos), 31, and rugged defensive midfielder Robson (Robson da Silva), 22, both landed in Queensland yesterday and were followed this morning by attacking midfielder Jefferson (Jefferson de Souza Pinto). 

All three were introduced to their new team-mates for the first time before shaking off their jet-lag with a light training run at United's picturesque training facility.

Given his grasp of the English language, Milson was the designated spokesperson for the three newcomers as they met the local media.

"We're really happy to be here in Australia and we hope to be able to deliver good performances for the team because we know there is expectation on Brazilian players," he said.

"It's also a great opportunity for all three of us to show what we can do and how we like to play football.

"This week for us is about getting to know the other players and for them to get to know us. Once we have done that I think we will all have a lot to contribute to the team."

Milson revealed that it was Miron Bleiberg's trip to Brazil and the chance to talk one to one about the Hyundai A-League and Gold Coast United that convinced them to commit their immediate future to Australian shores.

"The coach came to Brazil to see us play and gave us plenty of information about the team, the area and the A-League. Being able to talk with him in person helped me to make the decision to come here," Milson said.

"He told us the Gold Coast was beautiful and it is absolutely beautiful; even more beautiful than I expected."

While Milson managed to speak in English for some of his media interview, 27-year-old midfielder Jefferson told reporters via an interpreter that he didn't expect the language barrier to present any long-term difficulties.

"In the beginning the club has arranged for a few people to help out with translation, but over time Robson and I will learn to speak English. Anyway, the language of football is universal and I will definitely be able to communicate on the field," he said.

"I've been waiting anxiously to get here since signing my contract so it's an exciting day for me. I will be trying my best to do well for the team and help us to be successful."

As he introduced his South American threesome to the local media, Bleiberg said assimilating the players into the squad and settling them into their new lifestyle is his initial focus.

"They've all been screened by our fitness experts and we're told they're in good physical shape, so it's good to have them here to join in with our preparations," he said.

"We are looking for all three to combine well with our squad so the first job is to get them settled into life on the Gold Coast as quickly as possible.

"Robson is a tough defensive midfielder who is very physically strong and a very good tackler, as well as being a good passer of the ball.

"Jefferson is more of an all-rounder in the middle of the field - he can play in any position across the centre so provides us with a lot of flexibility there.

"Then there's Milson who is an experienced centre-forward with excellent aerial strength, but also a delicate touch. He can play as an out-and-out striker or in behind the strikers, so again we have that flexibility with him."

Bleiberg expects to give all three players some game time, albeit limited, when United take on local outfit Southport in a training match at Ashmore Village Park this Tuesday night (2 June, 7.00pm kick off).

(Pic shows, from left, Milson, Robson, Jefferson.)

 

ROBSON ALVES da SILVA

Position: Defensive Midfielder

Date of Birth: 03/11/1986

Height: 1.78m

Weight: 79kg

Clubs: 2008 Cabofriense (BRAZIL), 1994-2007 Flamengo (BRAZIL), 2001 Brazilian U'15 National team, 2003 Brazilian U'17 National team.

 

JEFFERSON CHARLES de SOUZA PINTO

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Date of Birth: 28/03/1982

Height: 1.72m

Weight: 69kg

Clubs: 2006/2007 Atletico Rorairama (BRAZIL), 2003/2005 Olaria (BRAZIL), 2002 Criciuma (BRAZIL), 1997/2001 Flamengo (BRAZIL).

 

MILSON FERREIRA dos SANTOS

Position: Striker

Date of Birth: 24/11/1977

Height: 1.85m

Weight: 78 kg

Clubs: 2008 Madureira (BRAZIL), 2007 Shenzen (CHINA), 2006 Chengdu Blades (CHINA), 2004/05 Jiangsu Sainty (CHINA), 2001-2003 Chengdu (CHINA), 2000 Al-Nassr (SAUDI ARABIA), 1998/99 Botafogo (BRAZIL).