A few years after originally trying to sign Brazilian star Camila Martins Pereira, Heather Garriock has finally landed her signature.
In a huge coup for United ahead of the Westfield W-League 2019/20 Season, Camila has agreed to a one-year loan deal with the club from the nation’s capital.
The 25-year-old is on loan from NWSL side Orlando Pride, where she played alongside Westfield Matildas Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond in 2019.
“I have been waiting three years to see her play in Australia,” Garriock said.
“I tried to sign her in my first year but she tore the ACL in her right knee a month before she was meant to arrive.
“So I have been waiting a long time and she is everything that I saw before she did her knee.
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“The most important thing is that while Camila is great on the ball, her work off the ball is outstanding. She is going to be a crowd pleaser, that’s for sure.”
Camila, a versatile striker, was part of Brazil’s squad that played at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
That tournament included a clash against the Westfield Matildas, which the Aussies came from behind to win 3-2.
She will join a Canberra United attack that also includes US import Katie Stengel.
“Heather called me to come in 2017 but I couldn’t come due to an injury. Now, there were no excuses,” Camila said.
“She trusts my work and gives me the confidence I need to excel as an athlete. I like challenges, so this will be a great challenge in my life.
“Even though it’s my first year and it’s tough to get to the title, but I will give everything I can to achieve that.”
Canberra United open their 2019/20 campaign with a home clash against Perth Glory at McKellar Park on Sunday, November 17 with kick-off at 4.00pm AEDT.
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