In a huge coup for Central Coast Mariners, they’ve signed young Australian star Daniel De Silva for the next three Hyundai A-League seasons.
De Silva is widely regarded as one of Australia’s best young playmakers and arrives in Gosford after spending two seasons in the Netherlands with Roda JC Kerkrade in the Eredivisie.
Head here the Mariners’ official website
The ex-Glory star made headlines in 2013 when he debuted in the Hyundai A-League as a 15-year-old, scoring his first professional goal a year later in the Westfield FFA Cup against Melbourne Victory.
After just 32 Hyundai A-League appearances, De Silva was signed by Italian giants, AS Roma and departed Glory at the completion of the 2014/15 season.
In 2015, De Silva also won a call-up to the Caltex Socceroos squad by Ange Postecoglou.
He has also represented Australia at all youth levels which included the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
De Silva play predominantly as a ‘number 10’ and his signing is a huge boost to Mariner coach Paul Okon’s attacking stocks.
“As soon as I arrived I was very warmly welcomed,” De Silva said.
“All the players are great; the staff are great and I have a very good feeling about this club already.
“Paolo gave me so many opportunities as a young player – he took me to the U-20 World Cup.
“I love the brand of football he plays and instills into the players so that was a big factor for me deciding to come to this club. I’ve worked with him previously and really enjoyed it so I am looking forward to working with him full time this season.
“I want to play as many games this season and give my very best to the club. Every game, every training session. I want to play a part in getting this team into the finals and going as close to winning the league as possible, if not win the league.”
De Silva said he’s is excited to be developing his game at a club like the Mariners and hopes to take his career to the next level in Gosford.
“Tom Rogic is the best number 10 for Australia at the moment, he’s a great player,” De Silva said.
“The way that this club gives youth a chance and has nurtured that talent is very impressive.
“The type of football that is being implemented here and the philosophy is one of the biggest reasons why I chose to play here so I am looking forward to playing that type of football and I know we will be very dangerous this season.
“Hopefully I can add some attacking flare to the squad, that’s really important when you get to that final third to make assists and score goals – I think that’s what my game is and I look forward to bringing that to the club this season.
Coach Paul Okon said of the signing: “We are delighted that Daniel has decided to commit his future to the Central Coast Mariners. t’s been a long time in the making but it’s certainly worth the wait.
“I have worked with Daniel and he is one of the most exciting and talented young Australian players. Our intent has always been to strengthen the squad and Daniel will no doubt give us that quality in the final third that we need.
“We want our supporters turning up excited to watch us play an attacking style of football and Daniel certainly compliments this style,” Okon said.
