Fred’s first introduction to Wellington may have been a somewhat bumpy landing at Wellington Airport, but it has not dampened his enthusiasm for his short stay in the New Zealand capital.
The 29-year-old was unveiled as the Wellington Phoenix’s guest player at Westpac Stadium on Wednesday and admitted he, his wife Deborah and baby daughter Eduarda had been a little unnerved by Wellington’s windy reception.
“Oh my gosh, me and my wife were so scared. I think I’ll have to sleep next time,” Fred said with a grin.
Less daunting for the Brazilian playmaker is his return to the Hyundai A-League, albeit for only six matches.
After a stellar campaign with Melbourne Victory in the 2006-07 season, Fred switched to Major League Soccer side DC United but revealed he had always hoped of making a return to the Hyundai A-League and was thrilled to be getting that chance with the Phoenix.
“I’m looking forward to playing. It’s important for me to do a good job here in the six games I’ve got and maybe stay,” Fred said.
Phoenix owner Terry Serepisos described the signing as a coup and when asked if he would be trying to sign the player for longer replied: “Absolutely. But that’s something we will talk about later.”
“At the moment he is here for a couple of months and we obviously want him to enjoy his football here.”
“I think he’ll make a good impression on Wellington and also the A-League.”
Serepisos revealed it had taken several months of talks with Fred’s agent Steve Panopoulos and DC United for the deal to be completed.
“There’s been a lot of negotiation going on since February this year. It’s taken a lot and it’s taken a few people by surprise because he’s a very valuable player,” he said.
“He was a standout player in 2006, he was probably the most valuable player in the A-League in 2006, until he went to DC.”
“It is a bit of a coup to have him here.”
Fred, whose full name is Helbert Frederico Carreiro da Silva, will make his Phoenix debut against the Newcastle Jets in Wellington on Sunday and is likely to face his former Victory team the following week.
But the midfielder, who has had a couple of training runs with his new team-mates, is not giving himself the luxury of looking too far ahead.
“The first game is Sunday and that’s all I’m thinking about. After that we can think about Melbourne,” he said.
Fred’s last game at the Phoenix will be against Queensland in Brisbane on December 28.
The Phoenix are third from bottom on the Hyundai A-League ladder with 12 points, a point clear of the Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory.
In a further boost following Fred’s arrival in Wellington came as Tony Lochhead, Tim Brown, Ben Sigmund and fan favourite Daniel penned new two-year deals at the Phoenix, while Michael Ferrante is retained for another year.
