New Central Coast Mariners signing Fabio Ferreira says Phil Moss’s interest in him helped provide the motivation for the former Sporting Lisbon youth product to sign with the 2013 Hyundai A-League Champions.
Speaking to www.ccmariners.com.au following the confirmation of his deal with Central Coast, the 25-year-old Portuguese flyer said Moss’s appreciation of his dynamic play was one of the catalysts for him to ink his two-and-a-half season contract with the yellow and navy.
“The appreciation that the Mariners showed me was very important,” Ferreira said on Tuesday. “Phil showed me that he really likes me and that he really wants me in his team. That provided motivation for me to go to the Mariners, because if a coach likes you it’s important for your relationship and the team.”
Ferreira, who was on the books of world football heavyweights Chelsea FC from 2008 to 2009, said that he has always respected the Mariners, and believes he is coming into a team full of professional, purposeful, and passionate people.
“I am very happy with this new chapter of my life,” he said. “The Mariners are a great team and I am looking forward very much to the upcoming half of the season, and the two years after that that I will remain with the Club.”
“I don’t know many people there [at the Mariners] personally, but as a group it looks very compact. They are good guys and a strong team, so I am looking forward to meeting my new teammates and trying to help them all to reach the finals this year.”
Ferreira said he hopes to commence training with the Mariners as soon as Friday, and is also keen to show his talents to millions of football fans in Asia should Central Coast qualify for a fourth consecutive group stage appearance in the AFC Champions League.
The Club’s one-off qualifier against Guangzhou R&F (China), Yadanarbon FC (Myanmar) or Warriors FC (Singapore) will take place at Gosford’s Central Coast Stadium on Tuesday 17 February.
“The ACL is obviously a very big competition,” he said. “So it will be good to play in that and show what I can do in Asia.”
Ferreira also moved to thank Adelaide United, his former teammates and fans for their support during his time in the city of churches.
“I have enjoyed a lot the three years I have been here [in Adelaide],” he said. “The Club [Adelaide United] gave me an opportunity and I really appreciated it. I have shared a big relationship with everyone, so I would like to say ‘thank you’ to the Club and fans for everything.”
“I have been looking for a player to come in who will create and score goals on a regular basis and Fabio fits that mould,” Moss said. “He’s at a good age to develop further and his best years are still ahead of him.”
“He [Ferreira] represents my vision for this football team moving forward,” Moss said.
