Jonatan Germano never dreamt that he would be playing football in Australia, but when the opportunity came up he could not let it pass him by.
Jonatan Germano never dreamt that he would be playing football in Australia, but when the opportunity came up he could not let it pass him by.
The Argentine joined Melbourne Heart FC from Estudiantes in Buenos Aires in September last year and was a key player in Heart’s 2011-12 season, which included a maiden finals appearance for the club.
Germano scored three goals throughout the season which included two against A-League champions Brisbane Roar and the match-winner in a game against Gold Coast United.
In an interview with ESPN deportes, Germano revealed how the opportunity came up to play in Australia and what he thinks of the standard of football in the country.
“My representatives told me of an opportunity to play in Australia so I went over there for a month on a trial.” said Germano.
“Never in my life I had thought of moving and playing football in Australia but it went well so I decided to make the move from Argentina.
“It is a country where the level of play is increasing slowly. The league has some very good and important players and I think the football they play in Australia is quite similar to the football they play in England.
“My position was as a right-sided defender but when I trialled at the club I was played in several different positions.
“I could not play in my natural position because one of my teammates (Michael Marrone) had played there a lot and recently was called up for the national team, so he is a great player.
“I played in the midfield though during the season and thankfully it has been going very well.”
Germano was also full of praise of former head coach John van’t Schip who recently signed a deal to coach Guadalajara in Mexico.
“John was great guy to us.” said Germano. “He was a great person to have around as he was just like an extra player in the locker rooms for us.”
“He gave us confidence and made us feel comfortable and that is what I think every good manager should possess.”
