Speaking at this morning's packed press conference in Newcastle, the Brazilian forward hinted that he won't be doing too much work outside the box for his new A-League club the Jets.

“I'm a finisher. If I have a team around me then I can score in the box,” said Jardel, 33, with the help of a translator. “If the club provides me with everything I need to be successful... I'd like to prove I can get back to where I was.

“I want to help the club become champions. I hope to be an asset to the club. The coach knows my style and I will follow his instructions. I also hope to pass on some of my experience to the younger players at the club.”

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO OF JARDEL IN HIS PRIME

The former Porto striker - who's signed a one year deal - also addressed the thorny issue of his fitness and weight. “I weigh 92kgs, I need to lose 3kgs. This will take around 10 days,” he said. “This will depend on me. I'm motivated to perform."

Jardel stated that his last game was on May 12 in the Cypriot Cup Final. He hinted that to get fit for the A-League, he needs to play. "The quicker I can start playing, the more motivated I will be.”

Jets coach Gary Van Egmond said that while it's not ideal to have players like Jardel arriving so late into camp “...we are very, very fortunate to have him. He has got the best pedigree of any striker ever to arrive in this country.”

Van Egmond added that there was a great possibility that Jardel would play in the first game away to Perth, but that “we have to be mindful of his longevity. He's only arrived on Sunday and we don't want to push him too hard.

“Mario's a goalscorer. We can all learn so much from him. The players are excited.”

At this stage, the Jets have put their paper work in to FFA and are now waiting for the national body to register the player in time. It's intended that Jardel will be a marquee signing.

Football operations manager Remo Nogarotto said that he was looking to attract the large South American community in Newcastle. “When you have a new business like the A-League, you always have one eye on the marketing, so hopefully Mario will help put bums on seats.

“We've seen the effect that South American players have had here with Milton last year and even Nicky Carle. The fans love them.”

The Jets will have two practice matches over the next week to help the new boys gel before the A-League kicks off.

With Argentine Jorge Drovandi entrenched in the camp for the last two weeks and Denni Rocha Dos Santos, a Brazilian attacking midfielder, due this Friday, Jets coach Van Egmond will have his work cut out gelling the new players in time.

But it's promising to be an exciting time in Newcastle with Drovandi, the nippy wideman, and Dos Santos supplying the bullets for 'Super Mario' Jardel.

"I hope to extend my one year contract," added Jardel. "And maybe one day return as assistant coach...!"

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO OF JARDEL IN HIS PRIME