Javi López was unveiled to the media as an Adelaide United player for the first time and said he was extremely excited by the unique opportunity of plying his trade in a new country.
The 34-year-old Spaniard enjoyed a successful career in La Liga with RCD Espanyol, amassing more than 280 appearances across all competitions and will add experience and quality to the squad.
López revealed Reds legend and fellow compatriot, Isaías, convinced him to join Adelaide and make the move.
“Isaías spoke very highly of the Club,” López told reporters via a translator after signing a one-year contract with Adelaide.
“He also said it was a great city and a great team.
“He said the team is very close and it’s almost like a family.
“He said the team and the city will be good for me and my family and that I’m going to enjoy the city very much.”
López said his primary goal is to help the team as much as possible on and off the pitch to hopefully yield a successful season.
“Collectively, I’d like to achieve what we set out to as a team, and that being the highest possible (success),” he said.
“On a personal level, I’d like to help the team however I can.
“I’ve always been a team player and I hope to bring experience to the team.
“I’ve come to help the team and that’s the objective I’ve set for myself, personally.”
Predominantly a right-back, López is extremely versatile and can be deployed as a centre-back or defensive midfielder.
He said he has not spoken in detail with Head Coach, Carl Veart, exactly what position he will play, but insisted he is happy to feature wherever the boss wants to utilise him.
“No, we haven’t spoken yet about where on the pitch I will play,” he continued.
“I always consider myself to be versatile and, of course, I’ve played a lot of games as a full-back on both side (of the pitch) and also as a centre midfielder.
“To me, it doesn’t really matter, it’s up to the coach and where he thinks I can be best utilised to help the team.
“But as a full-back or in centre midfield, it doesn’t matter.”
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