Simply taking part in the Hyundai A-League is not enough for Adelaide United’s marquee man, he wants to thrive in it.

In order to be hailed as a ‘hit’ then the 32-year-old insists he will have to dig deep and produce all the qualities that have helped him star on some of football’s biggest stages.

This is not a footballer who has returned home to simply go through the motions. He is out to make a big impression.

In a huge compliment to the Hyundai A-League, the former 1860 Munich hit man said: “Anyone thinking that coming back to play here (Australia) would be a breeze is going to be sadly mistaken.

“This is a tough league and I’ll certainly have to be at my best to be able to make a mark.

“I’ve been really impressed in terms of the standard, strength and conditioning."

He added: “I can’t predict how many goals I’ll score. I won’t be setting any targets. I’ll do my best to score, that’s my job.

“As long as the club’s successful and we’re moving forward I’m sure there’ll be a few goals there though.

I’m highly motivated to do well, whether that’s scoring goals, setting up goals and generally doing a good job for my team. I’m excited and yeah, there’s butterflies in the stomach.”

After a frustrating spell on the sidelines with injury, Agostino can see light at the end of the tunnel.

He said: “Obviously with just 21 games in a season you don’t want to rush into things and leave yourself out for a big chunk of the games.

“But I’m thrilled to have been given the green light and I’ll be honest, I felt like a 16-year-old again when I played in my first match against a state side last week.

“I wasn’t at 100 per cent but of course I need game time. You need match practice."

He added: “There’s a few aches and pains afterwards but the foot feels fine.

“You make sure you sit down with the medical staff in these situations and reach sensible decisions.”

Agostino is confident in his own ability and trusts that will be part of a collective success.

Numerous pundits have tipped United to finish top of the pile this time. It might be seen as the kiss of death by notoriously superstitious footballers but Agostino is unconcerned.

He said: “It shows people are giving us some respect which we deserve. Since this league started we’ve been getting results and finishing first and second. We’ll be close.”

Not that Agostino is expecting Adelaide to simply brush aside their rivals this year, far from it.

He is predicting a competitive campaign which will boil down to a tense finish.

“I think there’s four or five teams that will be pushing for the league and that has to be a good thing," he said. "It’ll go to the wire.

"Sydney have added Juninho, Newcastle have Jardel, our Brazilian Cassio will make a an impression while I’m sure Melbourne will be up there again.”

Agostino is also impressed with Adelaide’s opponents this weekend as the third season of Hyundai A-League football kicks off.

He said: “Queensland Roar are a very good, quick dynamic side.”