Brazilian striker Reinaldo is determined to work his way back into the Queensland Roar starting line-up before the start of the Hyundai A-League season.
Brazilian striker Reinaldo is determined to work his way back into the Queensland Roar starting line-up before the start of the Hyundai A-League season.
Reinaldo returned to Queensland on Thursday after leaving Korean K-League side Busan I’Park due to personal reasons last month.
The 24-year-old signed a three-year contract with the Roar last week and is keen to regain the touch that saw him score nine goals for the club last season.
“I’ll be definitely trying my best to be the same Reinaldo as the end of last season – trying to score regularly, working hard and making the fans happy because I also love (the fans),” Reinaldo said.
The Roar signed two new strikers in the off-season prior to Reinaldo’s return in Dutchman Sergio van Dijk and local youngster Tim Smits.
Van Dijk has impressed during the pre-season and Reinaldo knows that he will have to work hard to earn a starting spot before the Roar’s 2008/09 campaign begins against the Wellington Phoenix on August 17.
“I know Tim Smits and Sergio have been doing quite well so I’m coming to add to the squad,” Reinaldo said.
“I need to try to prove that I deserve a starting spot.”
The Roar were beaten 3-2 by the Newcastle Jets in the Preliminary Final last season and Reinaldo is hoping that his team can enjoy more success in the new season.
“We got so close last year and the whole squad has some unfinished business,” he said.
“The fans definitely deserve a much better performance from us – achieving something higher – because they’re always there. They’re always supporting Queensland Roar.”
