- Douglas Costa has left for A-League club Sydney FC
- The former Juventus and Bayern star has played in the Champions League
- He explained the reason for his surprising decision.
Like Italian great Alessandro Del Piero, the latest A-League Men’s standout, Douglas Costa, has declared his intentions to win more trophies with Sydney FC.
Dressed in sky blue and with the Sydney Opera House as a backdrop, Costa echoed the same sentiments expressed by now Sydney FC legend Del Piero 12 years ago when he proclaimed the start of his new career upon his arrival.
“I’ve always played for the best teams in the league, like Juventus or Bayern. The same goes for Sydney,” said Costa.
“That’s the motivation of all the 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 CV.
He has five trophies with Serie A giants Juventus, six titles with German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and 11 cups with Ukrainian powerhouse Shakhtar Donetsk.
Costa also represented Brazil on 31 occasions and played at the 2015 Copa América and the 2018 World Cup.
But winning more titles is not the only point on the winger’s agenda.
Douglas Costa was unveiled on Monday as Sydney FC’s new star signing
The Brazilian has joined the A-League club after leaving Fluminense
Costa, who has more than 13 million followers on social media, is well aware of his role as a potential game-changer who can take the ailing league to a new level.
The 33-year-old has generated waves of enthusiasm in the league before he has even touched the ball, leaving Australian Professional Leagues hoping he can attract more fans and replicate the ‘Del Piero’ effect.
“I spoke to Alex (Baumjohann, Sydney FC player-coach) and he told me a lot about how he wanted to develop football here,” Costa said.
‘He said I had an important role, that I could be part of something big and an important moment for football here.
‘It is, of course, a great motivation to take on that challenge.
“I hope I can play good football for (the fans) because if it’s good, they’ll come more often.”
Costa trained with his new teammates for the first time on Monday after landing in the country on Saturday night.
The 33-year-old previously played in European football for Juventus and Bayern Munich.
“Little by little I will get to know all my teammates and how they play,” he said.
“There are many quality players and I hope to win together. Of course, sometimes we can lose together.
“It’s all part of the process, just going through all that stuff together, so I’m looking forward to it.
“I am very happy. I hope and wish to be able to do well and respond well to this challenge for the whole team.”