Brisbane Roar recruit Erik Paartalu has admitted he cannot wait to start playing for his new club after making a whirlwind trip to Brisbane.
Dropping into Roar headquarters before heading off on holiday, a blown away Paartalu marvelled at the club-s Ballymore training facilities and the impressive Suncorp Stadium.
And despite just finishing a punishing season in Scotland, the sight of his new home, combined with the chance to work with former youth mentor Ange Postecoglou, had Paartalu champing at the bit.
“I-ve only been back for 5-6 days in the country but I already want to get started,” the 24 year-old said.
“The staff and the boys have been really friendly … and the facilities are great compared to what I-ve been used to.
“I-ve played for Ange with the Joeys and the chance to work with him again was an alluring factor.
“I-m really, really looking forward to getting started.”
The opportunity to take another forward step his football career was another motivating factor behind Paartalu-s decision to return home from Europe.
“Being in Scotland for the length of time I was, it just seemed like the right time to come back,” he said.
“I can definitely see the Brisbane Roar as platform to better myself and further my career.”
The 193cm tall midfielder will bring height and steel to a Roar midfield blessed with attacking players such as Matt McKay, Mitch Nichols and Massimo Murdocca.
And after four years of cutting his teeth in the rough and tumble of Scottish football, Paartalu is convinced he has the attributes to become the club-s midfield wall.
“I keep the game pretty simple, keep the ball and try to read the game,” he said.
“Obviously I-m quite tall so I win a lot of headers and I-m a bit of physical presence.
“(Scottish football) has taught me a lot … but coming from such a physical league will put me in good stead for the Hyundai A-league.”
