He’s been nicknamed ’The Tank’ and has only been here for two days but Ecuadorian striker Edson Montano already feels right at home at new club Newcastle Jets.
With Argentines Marcos Flores and Jeronimo Neumann Montano also at the club, the Jets’ South American contingent could strike up quite a partnership in the upcoming Hyundai A-League season.
That combination has already started with Flores acting as a translator for the 23-year-old after he completed his first training session with the Jets on Monday.
Montano, who signed a one-season loan deal with the club in June, only arrived on Sunday due to visa issues but is ready to get down to work with his new team-mates.
‘‘I have come from the other side of the world but I will be ready soon,’’ Montano told the Newcastle Herald through Flores.
‘‘I can feel a really good energy and see it is a happy group.
‘‘They worked hard and everyone was giving their best. It is exciting.’’
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The Jets are assembling quite a strike-force with Montano joining Neumann and former Socceroos attacker Joel Griffiths as options for coach Phil Stubbins.
Montano, who has four caps for Ecuador, admits he doesn’t know a lot about the A-League but Emile Heskey’s time at the club convinced him to head to the Hunter.
‘‘I have read some things and checked out some of the players from past years,’’ Montano said.
‘‘Growing up I looked up to Heskey. It’s exciting to be at his club.
‘‘The Ecuador league is really tough. I was playing for one of the best teams [Barcelona] and expect to adapt quickly to the A-League.’’
The Jets travel to Townsville on Friday for a nine-day tournament featuring Brisbane Roar, Sydney FC and former A-League club North Queensland Fury.
Newcastle Jets memberships for the upcoming Hyundai A-League season are now on sale! Click here for more information and to sign up today.
