Rising star Marco Rojas says he is excited and ready to work hard ahead of his move to German side Stuttgart.
Rising star Marco Rojas says he is excited and ready to work hard ahead of his move to German side Stuttgart.
Speaking at his final press conference for Melbourne Victory, the Johnny Warren Medallist said he was preparing to link up with his new Stuttgart team-mates in June and was looking forward to the next chapter in his young career.
“I’m really excited for what’s coming up,” Rojas said.
“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do (play in Europe).
“It’s so exciting that I’m able to do it this early (in my career) and hopefully I can go there and make a difference.”
The 21-year-old admitted he would have to fight hard if he wanted to earn first-team selection.
“It’s going to be a whole different ball game, another level, and I know it’s going to be tough,” he said.
“I’m going to work, keep my head down and do what I have to do and then it’s up to the coach.”
The New Zealander said he elected Stuttgart over other offers after believing the club had showed a lot of faith in him.
“Everything I got from them was good vibes and it feels like the right thing to do,” he said.
“It sounded like they really wanted me there and were really keen on having me and developing me as a player.
“I’ve always said that’s the main thing when I decided where I want to go.”
One of New Zealand’s finest players Wynton Rufer earlier told a German newspaper he believed Rojas was not ready for the Bundesliga.
But the attacking midfielder, dubbed the ‘Kiwi Messi’, said he was not bothered by the comments.
“Everyone’s allowed their opinion and like I said I’m just going to go there, work hard and do what’s going to be the best for me,” Rojas said.
Rojas registered 15 goals and nine assists for Victory, who just fell short in its bid to reach the Hyundai A-League grand final.
He accredited much of his success to the club and thanked the fans for their great support.
“The team was playing really well and that helped me as a striker and I’ve been lucky enough to score a few goals,” Rojas said.
“They’re (Victory fans) great supporters.
“They’re the real thing behind this club and I’ve been pretty lucky to play in front of them for the last two years.
“I’m sure the team’s going to come through and win something that they deserve.”
