Brisbane Roar have confirmed the signing of youngster Emilio Martinez as a scholarship contract player for the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder joins Head Coach John Aloisi’s squad after producing a string of strong performances for Brisbane in this season’s PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Queensland competition.
“I’m a player that’s very technical, I’ve got a left foot and I love to take players on and create chances for my teammates,” Martinez said.
“My preferred position is attacking midfield where I can get myself into forward positions and try to be positive with the ball.”
Martinez’s professional football career started at the age of 16 where he not only competed in – but won the 2015 competition of Nike’s Most Wanted, thus taking him on a similar pathway to Socceroo and Celtic FC midfielder Tom Rogic.
Roar’s new addition, who was a Western Sydney Wanderer’s player in the 2016/17 season, has settled in quickly to the Queensland way of life and says it’s fantastic to have the support of his family close-by on the Sunshine Coast.
“It’s awesome to be somewhere where you feel comfortable from the get go, somewhere where you fit in well with the other players,” Martinez added.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity I’ve been given here in Brisbane and I’m excited about the way the Boss (John Aloisi) wants the team to play.
“My parents live on the Sunshine Coast so I’m close to family which is a real bonus to have that kind of support.”
Head Coach John Aloisi is delighted to welcome Martinez to the senior squad and is looking forward to seeing the youngster make a positive contribution this season.
“Emilio has talent and is a technically gifted young footballer who is another quality addition to our playing group,” Aloisi said.
“He has shown a great deal of potential already in pre-season and is a player that suits our style of play.”
