Formidable look now for the Reds

Adelaide United FC’s new marquee signing Paul Agostino and Jonas Salley have both touched down in Adelaide to begin their time with the Reds.

Agostino signed a two-year deal with United and is eagerly anticipating his introduction to the Hyundai A-League and fulfilling a role in helping The Reds towards winning the championship.

Having played for German club TSV 1860 Munich for the past decade, Agostino is energized at returning to his homeland and contributing to his new club.

A tenacious midfielder, Salley has been playing for Victorian Premier League club Sunshine since the 2006/07 A-League season concluded and is ready to make the most of his two year deal with Adelaide.

“I’m thrilled to be here and am looking forward to settling in Adelaide and getting into pre season training,” Salley said on his arrival.

“It’s an honour to be here in Adelaide, to play for Adelaide United and I’m really excited and motivated and happy to finally arrive,” Agostino said.

“My target is to help Adelaide United move forward and succeed, whether I score a number of goals or assists we’ll just have to wait and see, but my goal is to help the club any way I can.”

Agostino is currently recovering from a broken foot he incurred during training back in March, but the 31 year old striker says the foot has healed well and that he is aiming to be fully fit for United’s first match of the A-League season against Queensland Roar on August 25.

Coach Aurelio Vidmar, who played with Agostino for Australia at the 1996 Olympics, believes his marquee signing will fit right in to the squad and that his goal scoring capabilities will compliment United’s attack.

“It is really great to have him here. Obviously he’s had a long flight so I’m sure he needs a rest but everyone is very excited,” Vidmar said.

“He brings a wealth of experience to the team and is going to be very valuable.”

While Agostino is thrilled to play in Adelaide, he is under no false pretences of the tough challenge that the A-League presents saying, “I’ve got the utmost respect for the league and its players. I will have to work very hard to achieve anything here and I’m prepared to do that.”

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