New recruit Adrian Madaschi said his primary focus is on making a contribution to Melbourne Heart FC after the defender was unveiled as the Club’s latest signing before training yesterday.
New recruit Adrian Madaschi said his primary focus is on making a contribution to Melbourne Heart FC after the defender was unveiled as the Club’s latest signing before training yesterday.
Madaschi has signed a 10-week deal to join the Heart, arriving as an injury replacement player for youngster Kliment Taseski, who will be sidelined until at least January after suffering a fractured foot.
Arriving from Portosummaga in Italy-s Serie B, Madaschi boasts a strong pedigree after carving an accomplished career in Europe, which netted the Perth native five Socceroos caps and selection for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
Though Madaschi hasn-t played a competitive match since last season, the towering centre-back is fully fit after training with Victory for over a month, ensuring he is ready to the field when called upon by Head Coach John van ‘t Schip.
The 29-year-old is under no illusions of his role within the side, stating he expects to work for his place in the starting eleven.
However, pending arrival of his international transfer clearance, Madaschi is expected to feature in tomorrow night-s crucial match-up against Adelaide United.
“My availability is initially subject to the international transfer clearance arriving, and then of course, it-s up to the coach to make his selections. I-m just here to be best available and to help the team,” he said.
After spending over a decade in Europe, including three years at Italian side Atalanta, a club renowned for its production line of emerging talent, Madaschi returned to Australia in the hope of netting a contract in the Hyundai A-League.
And while circumstances conspired to prevent him from netting a contract at a rival club, Madaschi says he will leap at the opportunity presented at Heart.
“I-ve been here for six weeks now, and as John said, it-s something that came about as of chance, but something I definitely grabbed at.”
“Things have gone as they-ve gone, and as they say in football, when one door closes, another one opens and this is the opportunity. I thank Melbourne Heart and John for giving me the opportunity to move across and head out onto the pitch.
“I-m a professional footballer; it-s my job, and what I-m fully focused on doing.”
While Madaschi has been linked with a move abroad at the completion of his stint with Melbourne Heart FC, he refused to reveal what lies ahead, saying he is simply tackling each week as it arises.
“In football, a week is a long time. I can only focus myself on what I have to do each day in training, and each week. I only program myself on a week-s basis,” he said.
“I appreciate the opportunity that-s been offered, it-s a short term deal, but in football, anything is possible. My objective is to do the best I can here and help Melbourne Heart.”
