“In my eyes I had a great season scoring goals and doing my best to lead my team, being the captain. However, I struggled to see opportunities playing in the U20s or first-team, which was unfortunate.

“Any young aspiring footballer I think associates Europe as the heart of football and from a young age I always dreamt and aspired to play in England, Spain or France, so it is a great feeling playing here.”


Szyszka has started off with Figueres reserves and wants to break into the club’s first-team this season. A long-time Sydney FC fan, the centre forward felt he needed to leave Australia to continue his development.

“In the short-to-medium-term I'd definitely like to make my debut for the first team, as I am currently training and playing in the Juvenil A side which is the team behind the firsts,” he said.

“In the long-term I'd love to move up-and-up. But I want to take it one step at a time and focus on the task at hand. However my ultimate goal is to represent Australia on the national stage.

“l've been attending Sydney FC games since the club's foundation in 2005 and have been a member of the club for over 10 years. Unlike most other footballers my age, I think the A-league is a great league and it has been good to see the league progress in terms of quality and crowd attendance.

“I would have definitely considered playing for the likes of Sydney FC, however opportunities have been limited and unlike Spain, lower division teams are rarely looked at for up and coming talent.

"I believe there is talent in the lower divisions in Australia but there are not enough opportunities."

He added: “I took this Spain opportunity head on. I am fortunate to be surrounded with talented players who have great technical ability and are dedicated, committed and professional.

“Youth football is subjected to a professional training regime, which involves tactical, technical and physical training in preparation for the future.

"I wish I could have this opportunity to improve my game in my home country but unfortunately l will have to pursue my football career overseas.”