English Premier League side Newcastle United have signed a former bricklayer Florent Indalecio.
The 23-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the Magpies after a successful trial and he will join the club’s Under-23 squad.
Indalecio previously played in the Australian fourth division while working part-time as a bricklayer.
The Frenchman’s arrival in England marks a dramatic turnaround in fortunes, as a tumour in his knee nearly cut short his career at the age of 15.
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It was hard for me, very difficult,” he told Newcastle’s website.
“I was in my house for a month and a half and I had a brace on my leg. After that, I was going to the physiotherapist everyday, doing rehabilitation work about two times a day for maybe six to eight months.
“I was in the gym a lot because I lost most of the muscle in my leg when I stayed at home. I put on about 13 kilograms in one year and I was coming back stronger to restart football.”
Indalecio then revealed that he worked as a bricklayer while in Australia.
“I never worked in construction before I moved to Australia so I said ‘OK, I will try it’. I never spoke any English either before I moved there so I just had to learn on the construction site with the people I met,” he said.
“It was very tough because I would do that job first, then after to make more money and live better I had a second labouring job. The first one would be from 7am to 3pm. I would go back to my apartment, take a shower and then work at 6pm until 2am.
“I did this to help my family and my parents, especially my mum. It was hard because I would only sleep about three hours per day.
The attacker is now ready for a new challenge in the North East.
“I said to the club that I don’t want to sign for fun or for the money. I really wanted to sign for Newcastle to prove that I can play one day at the highest level possible,” he said.
“I’m enjoying my time here. I appreciate all my teammates and already have good relationships with them and the staff too.
“I’m feeling good in Newcastle and I am very happy to be here. I’m just focused on playing football and I know the real work starts right now.”
