Spanish great Luis Garcia believes he won’t be the last Spaniard to play in the A-League, saying he believes the lifestyle and improving league in Australia will attract more of his countrymen.
This season has been a big one for Spanish players in the A-League.
Garcia – a former Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Liverpool star – inked a short-term marquee deal with Central Coast in January.
Prior to Garcia’s arrival, Western Sydney Wanderers signed three Spaniards and a Spanish assistant coach in the off-season, while Diego Castro joined Perth Glory.
Castro has since become one of the best attackers in the competition.
Similarly, Corona at Brisbane Roar has been a huge success in John Aloisi’s midfield.
The Queensland club also picked up Spaniard Javier Hervas.
«Hopefully we can open up a door for Spanish players to come here,» Garcia told the A-League’s website.
Garcia’s contacts in Spain would be invaluable for Tony Walmsley should the Mariners coach look to the Iberian nation in the next transfer window.
Central Coast striker Roy O’Donovan has already urged the club to sign a couple of experienced players, particularly in central defence, as the club looks to supercharge its relatively young squad, which currently sits bottom of the A-League.
And with Garcia’s contacts, we may see more players from La Liga at Central Coast and across the league.
«The league [A-League] is improving. It’s a fantastic league, fantastic country,» Garcia added.
«They know Australia is very far but Spanish players are no longer that scared to leave Spain, so hopefully like I said many more Spanish players can come here and enjoy the league.»
On Tuesday, Football Federation Australia announced it will provide a pool of money to A-League clubs next season to help sign marquee players.
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