Queensland NPL club Brisbane Strikers have pulled off a major coup, signing ex-Hyundai A-League midfielder Emilio Martinez.
Originally from western Sydney, Martinez had a youth stint with the Wanderers, while he has also been contracted to Brisbane Roar.
- Main image courtesy of Brisbane Strikers
He is the first new addition to Owen Baker’s squad ahead of the 2020 NPL campaign.
“Brisbane Strikers really stand out as a club because of the way they play their football. I feel it is the perfect place for me to rejuvenate my young career,” Martinez said.
“In their FFA Cup run there was such an emphasis on the team’s quick and creative play and Owen Baker’s philosophies as a coach. I wanted to be part of that approach and play alongside these fantastic players.”
“I think my attributes of quick passing and creating chances will work well with what is already in the team and we are seeing it link up already in pre-season. There is already a harmony there.”
Prior to his stints with the two Hyundai A-League clubs, Martinez was also one of six players to be added to the Nike Academy squad when he was just 16.
He earned a trip to the UK where he played against youth teams from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Martinez has a strong desire to get back to the Hyundai A-League and believes the Strikers are the best place to make that happen.
“I feel that Brisbane Strikers is the perfect fit for me and I feel this season is going to be a big one for me because I need to be playing games,” he said.
“The support the club provides the players compares very well with the professional clubs I have been part of and seen. So I don’t see this season as a step back at all for me.”
Coach Baker added: “He [Martinez] will add to the strength of our squad and we believe he has outstanding qualities that will complement our style that will also suit his game.
“He is a natural left footed midfielder that will add balance to the way we attack and I’m looking forward to seeing him combine with our other attacking players.
“He has already shown in pre-season he has an excellent attitude and work rate. I am very excited about seeing him play in the yellow and blue and I believe the fans should be too.”
