His father, Tony Tavares enjoyed a footballing career in Senegal, which included stints with Senegalese top division teams ASC Diaraf and ASC Police where he was nicknamed “Zagallo”, before deciding to move to France and start a family.

“My father was a football player before, in Senegal, but he left Senegal to come to France to have a better life,” Mickael Tavares told the Central Coast Mariners official website.

“When he moved he didn’t have all the support to keep doing this, so he had to work and then he built his family.”

Tavares attributes his own passion for football to his father.

“It was my dreams and my parent's dream,” the former Sydney FC player said.

“[My father] always pushed me since day one to become a football player and I’m pretty proud.

“I think that was my goal since day one. I knew I wanted to do this.”

Since beginning his career in France, Mickael has gone on to play for sides in Europe such Hamburger SV and Middlesbrough before signing for Sydney FC last season.

Mickael believes that his experience will only aid the Mariners in the coming season.

“I know that I travel a lot, but I hope I’m going to bring my experience,” Tavares said.

“Everywhere I went I took a little bit from every country and I often try to combine everything and help the young players to level up.

“The team is very young, and I think my role, and Jacques and Monty, is to lead the youngest players and give them the chance to achieve their goals.”

Having earned 25 caps for the Senegalese national team, Tavares highlights the importance of his father in shaping not only his career but also his own character.

“I know he wanted to be a football player. He always pushed me. He was someone who was very quiet, so I think I’m a little bit like him, but very honest,” he said.

“When he had something to say, he would not talk a lot, but he will say it, whether you like it or not, he will tell you what he thinks.

“I think he is the most important in my life.”