NEW signing Ney Fabiano has warned Victory strikers Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp he's not here for a holiday - and wants to start as many matches as possible.
The Brazilian-born striker has been a footballing nomad, playing in the lower leagues in Brazil and Austria before moving to Thailand and playing a season with Tobacco Monopoly.
His performances at that club earned him a move to Chonburi FC, where he impressed during the club's Asian Champions League campaign.
The 29-year-old is now determined to make an impression with the Victory after signing a two-year-deal - and he has no intentions of playing a bit part.
"I'm not here for sightseeing, but to work. I respect the players that are already here but I'm a footballer, I want to play. I want to start in matches," he said through a translator.
"I hope to work with those guys (Thompson and Allsopp) to contribute. But I also have to work hard with the whole team. It's not just about the strikers."
Fabiano believes his greatest asset is his flexibility in playing style. He said he is happy to adapt to whatever style the Victory want him to play.
"I can play one-on-one or long ball, it doesn't bother me. It comes down to what fits in with the group, but I'm versatile," he said.
He becomes the fifth Brazilian to join Melbourne in their four-year history. But unlike the previous four, Fred, Claudinho, Alessandro and Leandro, he boasts significant experience outside of Brazil
That experience edge certainly comes across in person. He understands English, speaks it a little, and gives the impression of a professional footballer.
He also comes to the club as a 'ready-made' package having performed well against them in the Asian Champions League.
But he is aware he needs to be able to step up a level and expects the A-League to be tougher than the Thai Premier League.
"Thailand is a country which is different from anything I've ever experienced. I stayed there for two years. It was good working there, but the fans ask of us all of the time, so we have to give a lot," he said.
"Here I have to be as professional as possible. It's a higher standard and I have to keep up with that. Everything I have heard about Australian football is positive.
"I have to always respect every opponent and every team-mate. I want to be able to give my best to everybody who has put faith in me to perform."
His performances at that club earned him a move to Chonburi FC, where he impressed during the club's Asian Champions League campaign.
The 29-year-old is now determined to make an impression with the Victory after signing a two-year-deal - and he has no intentions of playing a bit part.
"I'm not here for sightseeing, but to work. I respect the players that are already here but I'm a footballer, I want to play. I want to start in matches," he said through a translator.
"I hope to work with those guys (Thompson and Allsopp) to contribute. But I also have to work hard with the whole team. It's not just about the strikers."
Fabiano believes his greatest asset is his flexibility in playing style. He said he is happy to adapt to whatever style the Victory want him to play.
"I can play one-on-one or long ball, it doesn't bother me. It comes down to what fits in with the group, but I'm versatile," he said.
He becomes the fifth Brazilian to join Melbourne in their four-year history. But unlike the previous four, Fred, Claudinho, Alessandro and Leandro, he boasts significant experience outside of Brazil
That experience edge certainly comes across in person. He understands English, speaks it a little, and gives the impression of a professional footballer.
He also comes to the club as a 'ready-made' package having performed well against them in the Asian Champions League.
But he is aware he needs to be able to step up a level and expects the A-League to be tougher than the Thai Premier League.
"Thailand is a country which is different from anything I've ever experienced. I stayed there for two years. It was good working there, but the fans ask of us all of the time, so we have to give a lot," he said.
"Here I have to be as professional as possible. It's a higher standard and I have to keep up with that. Everything I have heard about Australian football is positive.
"I have to always respect every opponent and every team-mate. I want to be able to give my best to everybody who has put faith in me to perform."
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