To see today's training session...

Culina, who jetted into Queensland on Friday evening, looked refreshed after shaking off the effects of the journey following a relaxing weekend in his new surroundings.

He met his new colleagues for the first time before fronting local media, with the opening questions inevitably revolving around his decision to return to Australia and play in the Hyundai A-League.

"I had options and coming here was one of them," Culina said. "I decided to sign for Gold Coast United because I believe it is the right thing for me at this point in my career.

"It was a calculated decision and I thought long and hard about it. I'm just happy to be here now. "All my choices are made purely on a football basis.

"Sure, the Gold Coast is a lovely place to live, but I decided to come here for football reasons. The club wants to be successful and has a lot to offer - that's why I'm here."

When the 28-year-old's signature was secured back in January, debate raged as to whether his high playing standards would be compromised by returning to Australia.

But Culina laughed off such suggestions today, saying there is pressure on Hyundai A-League players to perform, just like there is in Europe.

He said: "There's always pressure. There was pressure playing in Europe and there is pressure playing here in Australia too. It's part of the game.

"In football it's always up to the individual. You can be playing at Real Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester United, but you still have to do the hard yards during the week and at the weekend, otherwise your level is going to drop.

"I've always been a player who gives 100 per cent and I try to do my best, so coming back to Australia certainly isn't a drop in standards. I'm going to do my job to the best of my ability, as I always do."

Having played his most recent football in a more conservative role within both the Socceroos squad and his club side (PSV Eindhoven), Culina said he was excited at the prospect of being used as an attacking weapon by Coach Miron Bleiberg.

"During my early years I always played more of an attacking style of football, but unfortunately at PSV (Eindhoven) and with the Socceroos I've been playing a bit more defensively," Culina said.

"I love to get involved in scoring and setting up goals. There's no better feeling than that, so I really looking forward to playing a more advanced role with Gold Coast United."

Having worked long and hard to get his man late last year, today marked a pivotal moment for Head Coach Miron Bleiberg, who is now seeing his squad come together piece by piece.

Appointed as United's first ever skipper, Bleiberg said Culina possessed all the necessary attributes of a great leader, both on and off the field.

"He demonstrates all the things I like to see in the leader of my team. He is a clean-living guy who sets a great example to the rest of the players. He symbolises everything I want from my captain," Bleiberg said.

"It's his first captaincy so he's a new captain for a new club and I believe the chemistry is perfect.

"I'm very happy to see him here. He will bring quality, experience, leadership and a touch of glamour because he is a Socceroo who is going to play in another World Cup. What more could you ask for?"

To see today's training session...