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The spearhead of the Queensland Roar’s first foray into A-League finals action says he’s back for unfinished business after a regrettable stint in Asia.
Brazilian striker Reinaldo touched down in Brisbane today to take up a new three-year deal with the Roar, just five months after leaving for Korean club Busan I’Park.
The softly spoken giant admitted he and his young family found it hard to adapt to life in Korea, and said his decision to join the K-League flew in the face of advice from veteran Roar skipper Craig Moore.
Speaking through an interpreter, the 24-year-old said he regretted taking the first lucrative offer he received after lighting up last season’s A-League finals with several dominant displays.
But now he has a chance for redemption after a disappointing end to last year’s A-League, with the desire to go further with the Roar proving too much for competing offers from US club Colorado and several A-League clubs.
“I always said to Frank Farina I would never go back to Australia if it’s not to Queensland Roar,” Reinaldo said after a long trip from South America.
“I have a lot of friends here in Brisbane and Queensland Roar is a club that is in my heart.
“I even want one day to be the CEO of the club,” he joked.
“We got so close last year and the whole squad has some unfinished business.”
The Roar missed out on last season’s premier’s plate with a final round loss, and were beaten in the preliminary final by eventual champions Newcastle.
While A-League success and an Asian Champions League berth rank high on the lanky Brazilian’s priorities, the three-year contract with the Roar also opens the possibility of national honours.
Reinaldo said he now had the option to apply for Australian residency, which could pave the way for a Socceroos berth.
“That’s on my mind now and I will be working to achieve it,” he said.
“Hopefully one day I can.”
With just one week to earn a spot in a side that also includes Dutch striker Sergio van Dijk and Brisbane young gun Tim Smits, Reinaldo jumped straight back into training after today’s return.
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