Wellington Phoenix have bolstered their squad for the ongoing A-League men's season, securing the signing of Mexican winger Gael Sandoval.
Sandoval, 26, joins the Phoenix on loan from Mexican side Guadalajara, and was a teammate of former captain Ulises Davila at Santos Laguna.
And it was Davila's encouragement that gave Sandoval the push he needed to leave Mexico to link up with the Kiwi side, based in Australia for the foreseeable future.
"I talked with Ulises before I talked with the Phoenix," Sandoval says. "Uli has told me the team is great, New Zealand is great, and it's a good life.
"He explained about everything; the team, the coach, the city and he supported me."
However, Sandoval won't be eligible to make his Phoenix debut until January 14, when the A-League men's transfer window opens.
But that delay hasn't deterred Sandoval from making the switch, eager to prove himself outside of his homeland.
"It's been a goal for me to play in another country and my dream to play outside of Mexico," he adds.
"I'm hungry and I want to help the Phoenix win the title. I feel so good. I want to play to win and to help the team."
Sandoval will be able to begin training with his new teammates after completing a 72 hour isolation period after arriving in Australia, as well as returning a negative COVID-19 test.
