Kone arrived in Melbourne last Friday, setting foot in Australia for the first time and met some of his future colleagues on Saturday. The club is yet to announce a manager, but so far have seven players in their squad.

The 31-year-old denied any feelings of nerves or pressure of being the marquee man of a new club and was embracing the challenge.

The Greek arrives in Australia with World Cup experience and club stints in Greece, France, Italy and Spain.

 Kone met with FTBL in Melbourne today and added they could set the world alight if they recruit properly.

“We’re just an empty book, we’re starting to write our first page,” Kone said.

“We are the writers and we start writing our book now. I’ve never been involved in a project like this.

“I was always playing in teams with history in Italy and Greece, but never in a team that is just starting. They chose me and now we’re discussing the last details to begin a new relationship.

“All the people working for the team must take careful steps because small details make a difference.

“They must make a team with a mix, with young players and players with experience. If we work hard we can do some interesting things.

“I don’t feel nervous at all. I’m a professional player from 16-years-old and I have a lot of experience. I can help the team and the new players to have a good performance.”

Kone’s English is fluent and was determined to mentor his teammates at United.

Seb Pasquali, Jonathan Aspro, Aaron Calver, Connor Chapman, Dylan Pierias and Socceroo Josh Risdon are the other signings announced so far.

Kone in action for Udinese

“In Italy, I played against big players, but I also played with big players,” he said.

“I played with Antonio Di Natale, Marco Di Vaio, Alberto Gilardino, Alessandro Diamanti and Alexis Sanchez.

“I’ve also played with big Greek players like Giorgios Karagounis, Kostas Katsouranis, Angelos Charisteas and Georgios Samaras.

“For a professional player, it’s the best thing to play at that level and I want to transmit these experiences with the young kids and new players.

Kone admitted he had limited knowledge of Australian football two months ago, but was now relishing their inaugural season

“It’s a new experience, but it’s OK, I like it,” he said.

“I want to try this and I think I can help the team to make interesting things next year.

“From the moment my agent brought me this proposal, I was watching and analysing the games and I saw in the last years, it was improving a lot and it was a good moment that Australia is investing in players and stadiums.”