The Sao Paolo native is willing to wait for his chance to shine...and said his primary goal is to help Melbourne win back-to-back championships rather than secure game time.

He said: "I want to give my contribution to the whole team, so I'm going to be patient.

"It's a matter of time until I get to show the way I play. I am going to do everything possible to help, and I'm not worried about that, I'm here to help the team."

Recommended to Melbourne by former Brazilian international Oscar Bernardi, Leandro was signed effectively sight-unseen by Ernie Merrick.

But he gave an indication of his talent during the recent Paulista State Championships, scoring against domestic giants Palmeiras.

And although the 21-year old acknowledges he knows little about of the style of Australian football, he believes he can make an impact on the A-League.

"I like to score goals, and use a very fast technique," he said.

"I don't know too much, but I'm going to start to find out a little bit more as I am here in Australia.

"Already I'm interested in knowing much more about the league."

The exploits of the much-vaunted ‘Trio from Rio’ and Romario placed the A-League firmly into the spotlight in Brazil last season, paving the way for the likes of Leandro, Marcinho and Wellington’s samba quartet to move down under.

"I'm happy that Brazilians have been given a chance here before,” he said.

"They have shown they can play very good soccer and this way we have a chance to show all parts of the world what we can do."

While the fact the A-League is still in its infant stages is a deterrent for some, it was one of the main reasons Leandro decided to transfer to Melbourne.

"Australia is still new in soccer, is starting in soccer, I like this idea." he said.

"I would like to bring in a little bit of my experience, similarly to what I did in Japan.

"I'd like to show a bit of my skills here."

By Simon Chiarelli