New signing Michaël Maria reveals he needed little convincing when the opportunity arose to join Adelaide United from American outfit Charlotte Independence.
The 24-year-old international penned a two-year contract with the Reds and reunites with Head Coach, Gertjan Verbeek.
Maria, who has 20 international caps for Curaçao, was recently a part of the team in the 2019 Gold Cup which reached the quarter finals after suffering a narrow defeat to the United States.
Maria said he was thrilled to have signed with Adelaide and was impressed by the professionalism of the Club.
“I’m very happy to be here and to work with the team,” Maria told reporters at his official unveiling.
“For me the most important thing is the way that the team will play and besides that the facilities and everything it’s just like in Europe actually, so that’s a good thing.”
It will be the third time Maria has played under Verbeek with the Dutchman handing him his professional debut at 2. Bundesliga outfit VfL Bochum in 2016.
Verbeek had also managed the dynamic player at FC Twente in the Eredivisie during the 2017/18 campaign.
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Acquired for his versatility and technical ability, Maria is predominantly a left-back but more than capable of featuring as a defensive midfielder and as a left winger.
However, he said he is happy to play wherever the boss tells him to and believes Verbeek’s playing style suits his game.
“I feel comfortable in all these positions,” he explained.
“But I think for me it’s important the way the coach wants to play and the way I’ll fit in the best for the team.
“It’s really exciting to play under him again and like I said I’m really happy to be here and have him as a coach.”
Maria also discussed some of his strongest attributes with his explosiveness and inventiveness something that will hopefully catch the eye of Reds supporters.
“I think that my strengths are being an attacking player,” he said.
“I possess the techniques to play out one against one and to be creative.”
Adelaide United face Melbourne Knights in the Round of 32 of the FFA Cup 2019 on Wednesday, 7 August at Knights Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACST. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports.
