Newcastle Jets midfielder Marcos Flores says he is still ‘buzzing’ after making his first appearance for the Club in the Jets’ 2-1 win over Wellington Phoenix at Magic Park on Saturday.
After nine months on the sidelines following a knee reconstruction, Flores said he was delighted to finally be back playing competitive football once again.
“My body was a little bit sore after, but my knee reacted really well, so I’m very happy and buzzing to have played my first 30 minutes of football on the weekend,” Flores said.
“I was really nervous to be honest. I felt the same feelings I felt 10 years ago when I played my first game in Argentina.”
After coming on as a second half substitute, Flores admitted to feeling a little rusty in his comeback appearance.
However, the Argentine playmaker persevered to set-up James Virgili up for the match-winning goal with a delightful through ball in the 76th minute.
“My philosophy and what I believe is to always play forward and even if I made six or seven mistakes continuously, I will keep trying and that is something I could be proud of,” Flores said.
“I was feeling a little embarrassed by some of the mistakes I made, but of course I was happy for Chilla (James Virgili) to score his goal and to set that up.
“I tried my best and I’m just happy and grateful to run and be healthy.”
Flores said he felt confident of being able to make a bigger impact when the Jets take on Central Coast Mariners in the opening match of the Hyundai A-League season on October 11.
“We have four weeks to go and it is my idea to be ready and to play more minutes,” Flores said.
“I’m crossing my fingers that God keeps me healthy and I can have a run in the first game if the coach needs me.
“My knee is perfect and it’s more about how I am mentally and I’m desperate to play, because I’ve spent the past nine months waiting.
“I’m so grateful for the coaching staff and my teammates, because everyday they’re helping me to be stronger and stronger.”
Flores said the win over Wellington had given both himself and his Jets teammates an important confidence boost as the start of the Hyundai A-League season draws closer.
“For us it was important and for myself as well,” Flores said.
“I want all of us to believe that were capable of doing good things, playing good football and I want my teammates to feel confident.
“Football, in my opinion, is all about mentality and how confident we are and how we protect and believe in each other.
“The good thing about the weekend was that we showed pride and desperation to improve.”
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