New Melbourne Heart signing David Williams sees his move south as a chance to reignite his football career.
Once rated as one of Australia-s most precocious talents, the 23-year-old finds himself at his fourth Hyundai A-League club following a two-year stint at the ill-fated North Queensland Fury.
“I’m very excited to be here and can’t wait to get it all started,” Williams said.
“I’ve got the chance to try and reignite my career, what I did a couple of years ago. It’s a fresh start for me.”
“I was looking overseas, but also very keen to stay in the A-League. I think this year is going to be the most important of my career.”
Williams has signed a three-year deal with the club and joins former Victory players Fred and Mate Dugandzic as the Heart’s major off-season captures.
“I’m just happy for the opportunity to play in a team that’s got a lot of prospects,” Williams said.
“It’s important to be in a team and a club that is establishing themselves as I am establishing myself as a player still.”
Capped twice by the Socceroos during the Pim Verbeek era, Williams hopes playing under former Dutch international John van ‘t Schip at Heart can provide the springboard for a move to Europe.
But Williams added he’s not exactly in a hurry, having experienced a four-year stint at Danish club Brondby from 2006 to 2010.
“I want to go overseas, every player I’ve come across would love to make it in Europe,” Williams said.
“For me it’s the pinnacle of where a player wants to be and a place I’ve aspired to be since I was young.”
“I was lucky enough to get the chance to go overseas (before), but I think for being in the A-League for one more year can give me the option to go overseas.”
“If it doesn’t, I’m here for another two years, which I’m totally fine with.”
Heart chairman Peter Sidwell was delighted the club got their man, having previously tried to sign Williams ahead of their inaugural season.
“He’s a gun, he’s one of those boys we think is going to be really something in this competition over a few years,” Sidwell said.
Heart football operations manager John Didulica explained the club would complete their roster with one more signing, expected to be from overseas.
