Joel Chianese is relishing his second crack at the Hyundai A-League with Perth Glory and is forging a close connection with the club’s Spanish whiz Diego Castro.
ESTABLISHING HIMSELF IN THE WEST
The 27-year-old attacker arrived at Glory last season after a couple of years moving from the PS4 NSW NPL, to Auckland City and a stint in Malaysia.
In all, Chianese started seven matches in 23 appearances, scoring two goals as Glory were eliminated one game short of the Grand Final by eventual champions Sydney FC.
Head here for Glory’s official website
“I knew that I’d come to an established team at Glory and that I would have to be patient and wait for my chance,” he said.
“It didn’t come until late in the season and then I didn’t want the season to end because I was starting to play well, get some momentum and I scored a couple of goals.
“Hopefully I can kick on again now at the start of this coming season.”
CHIANESE’S CASTRO COMBINATION
During Glory’s run to the Hyundai A-League semi-finals, Chianese and Castro began to forge an excellent partnership in attack for Kenny Lowe’s side.
And while their connection on the pitch is blossoming, the ex-Sydney FC striker revealed the pair are close off the field as well.
“I have an Italian background and my grandparents taught me Italian when I was really young,” Chianese explained.
“I’ve always been able to pick languages up quite easily and I can chat to Castro because Spanish is quite similar to Italian.
“We became roommates last season and became quite close and that definitely helped our understanding on the pitch as well.
“I used to joke that when he was talking to his wife in Spanish in the hotel room I could understand what he was saying.”
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL
“I only started playing professionally at 20 or 21 and before that I worked in an office in Parramatta, so I’ve experienced both worlds. That has really given me a greater appreciation of being a pro footballer,” Chianese said.
“Last year, with the help of the PFA, I did a real estate sales course. I’m quite interested in property…you have to be realistic and know that your playing career is not forever and the sooner you start building up some other qualifications, the better.
“In terms of actually owning properties though, a lot of the other lads at Glory are far more advanced than me.”
