Former Brazilian international Amaral touched down in Perth on Sunday evening with the clear intent to help lift Glory into the finals of the new Hyundai A-League season which kicks off in a fortnight.
Former Brazilian international Amaral touched down in Perth on Sunday evening with the clear intent to help lift Glory into the finals of the new Hyundai A-League season which kicks off in a fortnight.
Despite a journey from Brazil that has taken more than 30 hours, Amaral was in a jovial mood when he landed in Western Australia and is eager to join his new team mates as soon as possible.
“The flight was very long but I-m excited to be here. I-m very motivated and happy to finally be in Perth,” Amaral said through his translator.
Capped 31 times for Brazil, he brings a wealth of experience to the Glory midfield and was instrumental in the club-s unbeaten tour of Indonesia in late June. The midfielder played both tour matches and was immediately impressed with the squad Glory Coach Dave Mitchell has put together this season.
“I felt at home with the team in Indonesia and I wish I was able to come straight to Australia,” he said.
“I think Perth Glory has a good team and a lot of potential to play well this season and strive for the Championship.
“I have come here to help them achieve that goal,” Amaral said.
The former Fiorentina player hasn-t sat idle while waiting for his working visa to be processed, continuing to train everyday and is confident he has the fitness to push for selection in round one against Adelaide United on Sunday 17 August.
“I am fit and have been training in Brazil twice a day,” he said.
“I-m ready to play and I feel I can contribute to the team straight away.”
Amaral-s football career has taken him across the globe including Portugal, Italy and Turkey however this is his first visit to Australia and he is excited about the outstanding lifestyle opportunities Perth has to offer.
“I-m here to do a job and that-s to play football but I am looking forward to seeing this country also. I have done some research on the internet and Perth is a beautiful city, it has lots of nice beaches and my first impression has been very nice.
“I see that there are many Brazilians living here and I hope they come to the games and enjoy the football we play this season,” he said.
Amaral will have Monday to explore his new home before starting training on Tuesday morning at the Glory-s riverside facility at Tompkins Park in Alfred Cove.
