The words of former Melbourne Victory forward Robbie Kruse were a factor in new loan signing Max Beister choosing the next club in his football career.
Kruse and Beister were teammates at Fortuna Dusseldorf in Germany from 2011-13, and Kruse spoke in glowing terms about his experience with Victory and in the Hyundai A-League.
Victory announced last week that Beister would join the club on loan from Mainz for the rest of the 2016/17 season.
“I had a couple of conversations with Robbie Kruse. He told me a lot about Melbourne, a lot about Victory,” Beister said.
“I was looking for a new experience. I chose Australia, and hopefully it becomes a good time.
“It’s a new culture for me, meeting new people, and a completely new city.
“Right now I don’t know what I can expect, but I’m just looking forward.”
Beister arrived in Australia on Wednesday for a tour of Victory’s AAMI Park facilities, before joining his new teammates in training on Thursday morning.
The 26-year-old, who has been keeping a close eye on Victory’s games recently, is relishing a fresh start in a new country after a frustrating past few seasons in Germany.
“I was very disappointed and unlucky in the last (few) years. I tried to fight back, but it didn’t end the way I wanted to,” he said.
“I don’t want to look back. I want to look into the future with the club.
“I’m just looking forward to the rest of the year. Hopefully I can be a big part of the team, do my job and be successful.”
