New Melbourne Victory attacker Carlos Hernandez believes he will have no trouble with the physicality of the Australian game - and can make an instant impact.
Speaking through a translator, Hernandez today said his experience at international level and flexibility will help him settle despite lacking preparation.
"The adaptation process is an important part of integrating into the squad, and I don’t see the game plan or the style of play as a major problem. I am quite adaptable to it," he said.
"I have the ability, I have the credentials, I am ready to go and whatever style, whatever the position the club puts me in I am ready for it, so there shouldn’t be any problems whatsoever."
While he was courted by clubs from all over the globe, the lure of the Australian lifestyle proved too tantalising a prospect for Hernandez, and played a key role in his decision to move down under.
"I had a few offers in Europe, but obviously not everything is about money, it’s about lifestyle," he said.
"The overall option of coming to Australia for my family and I was too good to pass up as was the expectation of playing in an emerging league like the A-League.
"But the main catch was obviously being involved in a club such as Melbourne Victory and that was they key factor."
Signed from LD Alajulense in Costa Rica, Hernandez played a crucial role in Costa Rica’s 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign, confirming their passage to the tournament with a stunning brace against the USA.
And Victory Football Operations Manager Gary Cole said it was that performance which prompted the club to quickly sign the 24-year old.
"The thing that got it over the line was a DVD we were shown of Carlos playing in Costa Rica’s final qualifying game against the USA where he came on and scored two absolute belters," he said.
"It showed he could score goals and for us that was really important."
Despite the relatively short-duration of the A-League season, Hernandez does not believe it will hamper his international ambitions, although his primary goal in the short term is to perform for Melbourne.
"My main focus is to play for Melbourne Victory. The league in Costa Rica is a little bit too long and they are looking at shortening it, but the length of the season wasn’t a problem in my decision to come here," he said.
"In terms of the national team, it is my pride, my commitment and I have the confidence of the coach, but first and foremost my focus is the club and my form here. Everything else will pan out as it goes."
Report by Simon Chiarelli
"The adaptation process is an important part of integrating into the squad, and I don’t see the game plan or the style of play as a major problem. I am quite adaptable to it," he said.
"I have the ability, I have the credentials, I am ready to go and whatever style, whatever the position the club puts me in I am ready for it, so there shouldn’t be any problems whatsoever."
While he was courted by clubs from all over the globe, the lure of the Australian lifestyle proved too tantalising a prospect for Hernandez, and played a key role in his decision to move down under.
"I had a few offers in Europe, but obviously not everything is about money, it’s about lifestyle," he said.
"The overall option of coming to Australia for my family and I was too good to pass up as was the expectation of playing in an emerging league like the A-League.
"But the main catch was obviously being involved in a club such as Melbourne Victory and that was they key factor."
Signed from LD Alajulense in Costa Rica, Hernandez played a crucial role in Costa Rica’s 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign, confirming their passage to the tournament with a stunning brace against the USA.
And Victory Football Operations Manager Gary Cole said it was that performance which prompted the club to quickly sign the 24-year old.
"The thing that got it over the line was a DVD we were shown of Carlos playing in Costa Rica’s final qualifying game against the USA where he came on and scored two absolute belters," he said.
"It showed he could score goals and for us that was really important."
Despite the relatively short-duration of the A-League season, Hernandez does not believe it will hamper his international ambitions, although his primary goal in the short term is to perform for Melbourne.
"My main focus is to play for Melbourne Victory. The league in Costa Rica is a little bit too long and they are looking at shortening it, but the length of the season wasn’t a problem in my decision to come here," he said.
"In terms of the national team, it is my pride, my commitment and I have the confidence of the coach, but first and foremost my focus is the club and my form here. Everything else will pan out as it goes."
Report by Simon Chiarelli
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