Florent Indalecio is ready to take his 'second opportunity' in football with Newcastle United and admits the hard works starts now.
It has been a remarkable journey to Tyneside for the 23-year-old who recently agreed a one-year deal with the Magpies following an impressive trial.
Indalecio began the year juggling his playing commitments in Australia's fifth-tier at Fraser Park FC with his full-time job as a bricklayer.
After signing his first professional contract, the former AS Saint-Étienne prospect is determined not to squander his unlikely lifeline in football with United.
He told the club's website: "I've received a lot of messages of support from the fans because I know my story is very different.
"I never stop working hard and I said if someone gave me an opportunity one day, I would try to do my best for this second opportunity."
Indalecio left his hometown club at the age of 15, and just a year later faced a life-threatening setback after being diagnosed with a tumour in his knee.
The French midfielder regrets the circumstances which led to his departure from AS Saint-Étienne, and outlined the months of intense rehabilitation that he was forced to undergo as a teenager.
Indalecio said: "I have a lot of regrets from before. I think I was too young when I left St. Étienne. I was not very mature.
"I played for a club in my city when I was 16 but then found out I had a tumour in my knee. The doctor told me I had to have surgery.
"It was hard for me, very difficult. 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 was unsuccessful in his attempts to secure a professional deal in the USA, and moved to Australia last year where he played for Fraser Park FC at the same time as working in construction.
The 23-year-old is a good friend of Allan Saint-Maximin, and the clip of his spectacular overhead kick in training with the Magpies went viral after the United star shared it on social media.
Indalecio was offered a contract following a month-long trial, and the French prospect is now determined to prove he can cut it in the Premier League in black-and-white.
He added: "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 focussed on playing football and I know the real work starts right now.
"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."
