BRAZILIAN attacking midfielder Marcinho has completed his move to Queensland Roar and is expected to make his full debut for his new club this Sunday against South African side Supersport United at Suncorp Stadium.

The 25-year-old Santos-born playmaker penned a one-year deal with Frank Farina’s side after impressing in trials last month.

Marcinho began his career with top Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo before shifting to Naval in the Portuguese Premier League for the 05/06 season.

“I’m really happy to be here and everyone has made me feel very welcome. The team looks strong and I’m looking forward to playing here,” said Marcinho via his interpreter.

“I had to go back to Brazil recently to organise a few things and I was keen to come back because I like the club and the set-up at Queensland Roar, I like the city of Brisbane and I think I can feel at home here,” he added.

With Roar’s Korean import Hyuk-Su Seo expecting to have his residency application approved in the coming weeks, Marcinho will take his place on the roster as the fourth permitted overseas player and 20th player overall.

The attacking midfielder will however be allowed to compete in upcoming pre-season games until his registration is finalised and he has pledged to make the same impact as his compatriot Fred, who was instrumental in Melbourne Victory’s success last term.

“I intend to try very hard to be a better player in the Hyundai A-League than Fred was for Melbourne. I believe I can do it and I hope to prove it. I like to play just behind the front two strikers and feed them with the ball as much as I can,” he said.

“I enjoy getting forward and scoring goals so hopefully that’s what the fans of Queensland Roar will see from me. I want to show some flair and entertain the crowd, but flair is no good if nothing happens from it. It’s important for me to both set up goals and score them. I work hard during the game to achieve that.”

Listed among Marcinho’s pals are football luminaries such as AC Milan striker Kaka, Sevilla’s Luís Fabiano and Real Madrid’s prodigious striker, Robinho, who he says he speaks to regularly on the phone.

Like his famous friends, Roar’s new Brazilian expects to feel the brunt of a few firm tackles from opposition defenders and is prepared for the physical nature of the Hyundai A-League.

“I know that the league here is going to be a physical competition but I expect that and I’m used to it. If I’m targeted by defenders then it won’t be a problem for me – it’s normal. Being Brazilian and playing as an attacking midfielder I always expect to receive ‘attention’ from defenders,” he said.

Marcinho admitted that prior to receiving contact from Roar’s spies in Brazil, he knew little about the Hyundai A-League and only took notice of Australia as a football nation following the exploits of the Socceroos in the last FIFA World Cup in Germany.

“A year ago I knew very little about Australian football, but since the World Cup people are waking up to the game here. In Brazil we had no idea that the league attracted big crowds and the teams play in such nice stadiums. 

“Australian football is becoming very professional in its approach and organisation. Using South American players can only help to develop the skill level of the league and the lifestyle here will continue to attract players from Brazil. The climate is similar, people are friendly like in Brazil and I expect to see many more Brazilians and other South Americans coming here in the future,” Marcinho said.