‘Why I chose Adelaide United’: new signing speaks

Adelaide United recruit Jesse Makarounas says he jumped at the chance to play for the Reds and hopes to play regular football for the defending Hyundai A-League champions.

The 22-year-old Darwin-born midfielder departed Melbourne Victory at the conclusion of the 2015/16 campaign. 

And on Monday it was announced he had secured a move to the South Australian outfit.

The former Perth Glory player had limited opportunities at Victory, playing 51 games for the club over three seasons, predominantly off the bench.

But he hopes to become a far more regular fixture in the Reds lineup in 2016/17.

“I’m really happy about it. As soon as I had the opportunity I jumped on it,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

“It’s the champions of last year, they play really good football. I’m really excited to come and play here.

“It’s hard. The last few clubs I’ve been at have been very successful clubs. 

“I’ve had some good years, I’ve played lots of games and now I think it’s a good opportunity for me to come here and play regular football.”

The Reds have developed into one of the more attractive teams in the competition under former Barcelona great Gui Amor, who won the Championship in his first full season as a senior coach. 

And Makarounas believes he can add another dimension to a side burgeoning with attacking talent that also proved its defensive solidity last season. 

“I like to play attacking football and to try and score goals. I like to play killer passes and I think I’m going to fit in well to this team,” he said.

“They play good football. Good passing football. They were one of the best teams in the competition at doing that. 

“I’m really excited to get comfortable with the team and contribute to them as much as I can.

“Hopefully I can contribute in a positive way. We’ve got some great players in the team. 

“I’m a creative player and hopefully I can add some goals to the team and set up some other players to score some goals as well.”