Melbourne Victory’s newest signing Matthieu Delpierre has touched down on Australian shores, declaring that the move was a perfect opportunity at this stage of his career.
The Frenchman branded the switch as a “life experience” and has admitted that in his short spell in the country, he’s already found plenty to like about the place.
“Why? It’s a big club in Australia and it’s a perfect opportunity to come. It’s a big club and I’m proud to be here. I’m excited to start and to win,” Delpierre said.
“It’s a life experience for me. I come to play football and to perform but it’s also a nice life experience.
“It’s the first time [for me in Australia]. It’s very nice, big city. Everything is big for me. [I’ve been] here for one week and I’ve had time to see scenery.
“There’s a lot of things to do but now it’s preparation [for the season], we have to work hard and every day in the next three months are very important for us to be fit.”
The veteran centre-back last fronted up for FC Utrecht in Holland, the home of Socceroos Tommy Oar, Adam Sarota and Michael Zullo – who spent last season on loan at Adelaide United.
“I played with Tommy Oar and Adam Sarota at Utrecht and we talked a couple of times about Australia, about the A-League. I saw it, for me, as a big experience, a life experience to come here and that’s why I’m here,” he said.
“They said the league grows up every year and it’s a good league. Like you can see, a lot of players want to come to Australia and that’s why I think every year the A-League will be better.
“I think in the future the A-League – you need more time for it to be like Europe but its good.”
Melbourne Victory’s Football Operations Manager Paul Trimboli is excited to see the benefits both on and off the field that Delpierre will bring to the club.
“I think his CV is very impressive. You’ll note that our defensive area of the park we still have quite a few players– even though they’ve played a few games – that are relatively young,” Trimboli said.
“These young guys can learn off his professionalism. You don’t spend 10 years in the Bundesliga without being a good professional and a good performer.
“So we’re hoping two-fold that he’s going to perform on the field for us and obviously bring that experience to the dressing room and help these young guys develop as well.”