ADELAIDE United midfielder Jonas Salley was officially sworn in as an Australian citizen in a short ceremony after the team’s training session earlier today.
Salley was presented with his Australian citizenship certificate by Department of Immigration & Citizenship State Director Greg Kelly in front of a number of team mates and a local media contingent at Thebarton Oval.
“Acquiring Australian citizenship enables Jonas to participate fully in our inclusive society. It enables him to realise his own aspirations and achieve his full potential, especially in his chosen profession,” Kelly said.
With some of his family residing in Australia’s eastern states, Jonas follows his sister’s lead after she was awarded Australian citizenship in January. The uncompromising 26 year old midfielder says becoming an official Australian is a major highlight of his life.
“It is definitely an honour for me. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time and now it has happened I’m really glad,” Salley said after the ceremony.
“I first came to Australia in 2005 and I am very happy here so that’s why I decided to become an Australian citizen.”
Born in the Ivory Coast, Salley first moved to Australia in 2005 to play in the Victorian Premier League for South Melbourne. He then spent the first two seasons of the Hyundai A-League with the now defunct New Zealand Knights before returning to Australia.
Since signing for The Reds in March 2007, Salley has become a favourite among the United faithful and has slotted straight into the playing group. Salley’s naturalisation has also allowed United to secure another foreigner for this season, the club now with four exciting Brazilians on its list.
Now an ‘Aussie’, Salley says it would be a dream come true to have the chance to represent his new country, but he knows he will have to continue to improve his game and not get ahead of himself.
“I want to put my hand up for the Socceroos. There are a lot of things but for me, I am a soccer player so it would be good for me to represent Australia.”
To end the citizenship ceremony, Salley proudly joined in a rendition of the Australian National Anthem with team mate Travis Dodd, and posed for photos in front of iconic Australian products such as Vegemite, lamingtons and the traditional meat pie with sauce.
“I haven’t had Vegemite before but I might try some tonight,” Salley said.
“Acquiring Australian citizenship enables Jonas to participate fully in our inclusive society. It enables him to realise his own aspirations and achieve his full potential, especially in his chosen profession,” Kelly said.
With some of his family residing in Australia’s eastern states, Jonas follows his sister’s lead after she was awarded Australian citizenship in January. The uncompromising 26 year old midfielder says becoming an official Australian is a major highlight of his life.
“It is definitely an honour for me. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time and now it has happened I’m really glad,” Salley said after the ceremony.
“I first came to Australia in 2005 and I am very happy here so that’s why I decided to become an Australian citizen.”
Born in the Ivory Coast, Salley first moved to Australia in 2005 to play in the Victorian Premier League for South Melbourne. He then spent the first two seasons of the Hyundai A-League with the now defunct New Zealand Knights before returning to Australia.
Since signing for The Reds in March 2007, Salley has become a favourite among the United faithful and has slotted straight into the playing group. Salley’s naturalisation has also allowed United to secure another foreigner for this season, the club now with four exciting Brazilians on its list.
Now an ‘Aussie’, Salley says it would be a dream come true to have the chance to represent his new country, but he knows he will have to continue to improve his game and not get ahead of himself.
“I want to put my hand up for the Socceroos. There are a lot of things but for me, I am a soccer player so it would be good for me to represent Australia.”
To end the citizenship ceremony, Salley proudly joined in a rendition of the Australian National Anthem with team mate Travis Dodd, and posed for photos in front of iconic Australian products such as Vegemite, lamingtons and the traditional meat pie with sauce.
“I haven’t had Vegemite before but I might try some tonight,” Salley said.
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