To see Sydney training...

 

Durante played last Friday night in Wellington's losing A-League final in Adelaide and arrived back in the New Zealand capital on the weekend.

He was about to move into pre-season mode when the phone rang and a deal to join Sydney came up. It all happened very fast and by Tuesday, he'd forgotten about post-season celebrations and was on a plane bound for Sydney.

Durante was a half-time substitute in Wednesday night’s 1-0 friendly victory over Sydney United. The 28-year-old slotted seamlessly into the centre of Sydney’s defence and showed he will be a key player if the Sky Blues can make it through the ACL group stage.

But he's still coming to terms with this week. 

“It’s been a crazy few days. Crazy,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com after the United game.

"Two days ago I was in Wellington about to have some Mad Monday celebrations and now I’m at Edensor Park playing against Sydney United for Sydney FC.

“It's been a massive rollercoaster but I’m really enjoying it."

The classy central defender has high hopes that the remodelled Sydney FC with the addition also of David Williams will do well in the ACL.

What makes his transition even easier is the fact that he has played alongside the likes of Mark Bridge, Stuart Musialik, Ivan Necevski and Nicky Carle at Newcastle Jets.

“I felt pretty comfortable and I know a lot of the players here and Vitezslav told me how he wants me to play and I feel comfortable [with that]," he said.

It all kicks off for Durante and Sydneyh FC against K-League side Suwon Bluewings next Wednesday night at the SFS.

"It’s a good team, a good footballing team and hopefully we do well starting next week.

“It’s awesome. I’d have been on holiday over the coming months but now with this it’s a prestigious tournament. It’s going to be a big challenge but I feel I’m up for it.”

Durante added his condolences on behalf of Wellington Phoenix following the New Zealand earthquake disaster.

To see Sydney training...

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