Adelaide United striker Cristiano has dismissed rumours about his playing future by confirming he wants to be a Red next season.
An Adelaide Advertiser article suggested Cristiano and the club both wanted to part ways but that’s not the case, according to the Brazilian.
“I am very happy at this club and my family is very happy here in Adelaide,” Cristiano said.
“There’s no reason to leave the club, I like everyone here and last week there were a lot of things in newspapers saying I was going to leave the club but it’s not true.”
“For sure I will be here next year. I have one more year of my contract and if there is a possibility to stay longer, I stay longer but I have another year and I’m very happy here.”
While feeling settled in South Australia, the 27-year-old did admit he’d move elsewhere if the right offer came along.
“Every footballer looks forward and I am no different. If something came that was good for me and for the club as well we’d talk,” he said.
Cristiano has scored eight goals for the Reds this season but his time at Hindmarsh Stadium hasn’t always been harmonious.
In the past he’s been unhappy with the amount of time he’s spent on the bench and has asked for more support in attack.
But the recruit has resolved those issues and is looking forward to performing in the finals.
“Sometimes you play well, sometimes not and sometimes things go good, sometimes worse,” he said.
“I managed to say, ‘OK, if I don’t go good I have to sit on the bench for another player,’ now I hope to get my chance and do the best for the club.”
Cristiano was disappointed with his performance against Melbourne but thinks the entire United line-up can bounce back against Queensland on Saturday.
“They (the Roar) have a very good team and play very well. I think we have to be patient and not try to score in the first minute because if you go with everyone forward trying to score you can concede goals,” he said.
“But when we have an opportunity to score, we have to score.”
