Just as Italian great Alessandro Del Piero did, the latest A-League Men marquee player Douglas Costa has declared his intentions to win more titles with Sydney FC.
Dressed in sky blue with the Sydney Opera House as his backdrop, Costa echoed the same sentiments that now-Sydney FC legend Del Piero spoke of 12 years ago when he proclaimed the start of his new career on arrival.
“I’ve always played in the best teams of the leagues like Juventus or Bayern. That’s the same with Sydney,” Costa told AAP on Monday through an interpreter.
“That’s the motivation of all players. We all like to win and make history.”
Costa joins the ALM heavyweights on a two-year deal after being released early from his contract by Brazilian Serie A club Fluminense in July, and brings with him an extensive resume.
He boasts five trophies with Serie A giants Juventus, six titles with German Bundesliga juggernaut Bayern Munich and 11 cups with Ukrainian powerhouse Shakhtar Donetsk.
Costa also represented Brazil on 31 occasions and played at the 2015 Copa America and 2018 World Cup.
But adding more silverware isn’t the only item on the agenda for the winger.
Costa, who boasts more than 13 million social media followers, is well aware of his role as a potential game changer who can take the struggling league to a new level.
The 33-year-old has sent waves of excitement through the league before he has even kicked a ball, leaving Australian Professional Leagues hopeful he can attract more fans and replicate the ‘Del Piero’ effect.
“I spoke to Alex (Baumjohann, Sydney FC player manager) and he told me a lot about how he wanted to develop the football here,” Costa said.
“He said that I had an important role, that I could be part of a big thing and important moment for the football here.
“It’s, of course, a big motivation to have that challenge.
“I hope I can play good football for (fans) because if it’s good, they’re going to come more often.”
Costa trained with his new teammates for the first time on Monday after landing in the country on Saturday evening.
“Slowly, I’m going to get to know all of my teammates and how they play,” he said.
“There’s a lot of quality players, and I look forward to winning together. Of course, sometimes we might lose together.
“It’s all part of the process just going through all those things together so I’m looking forward to that.
“I’m very happy. I hope and I wish that I can do well and respond well to this challenge for the whole team.”
