Adelaide United captain sets sights on Socceroos after gaining Australian citizenship

Isaias arrived in Australia looking for adventure. Six years on, Adelaide United’s captain had become a citizen of his adopted homeland and was setting his sights on the Socceroos.

Adelaide United captain Isaias celebrates his Australian citizenship with daughter Vega, three, at Hindmarsh Stadium. Picture: AAP Image/ Brenton Edwards

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Isaias arrived in Australia looking for adventure.

Six years on, Adelaide United’s captain had become a citizen of his adopted homeland and was setting his sights on representing the Socceroos on the world stage.

Reds players and staff gathered at Hindmarsh Stadium on Tuesday for Isaias’ naturalisation ceremony.

The Spanish-born midfield general said putting down roots in SA was the last thing on his mind, when he joined United from La Liga side Espanyol in July 2013.

“The first time I arrived here it was more like an adventure for me or another experience in my career,” Isaias, 31, said.

“Now my thoughts are completely different.

“I’m so excited to get this citizenship.

“It means to much for me and I’m very proud to become an Aussie.

“In a football career it’s difficult to say I will stay here forever.

“But if I stay here, I will be more than happy.”

Isaias was a virtual unknown down under when ex-coach Josep Gombau brought him to the Reds.

The 176cm dynamo had played four games in Spain’s top flight and made the bulk of his senior appearances at lower-tier Badalona and Ponferradina.

He had since become one of Adelaide’s most shrewd signings and most-respected individuals in the club’s history.

The linchpin was integral to the Reds’ 2016 A-League championship and FFA Cup success two years earlier.

He also skippered the club to more silverware in the national knockout competition this campaign.

Catalan Isaias, who had scored six goals in 140 matches for United, was uncapped by his birth country at any level.

He now hoped to work his way into Australian coach Graham Arnold’s national team plans.

“The Socceroos have an amazing squad right now playing in the Asian Cup and, especially in my position, they have amazing players,” the no-nonsense No.6 said.

Spanish-born Isaias has become an Adelaide United fan favourite during his six years at the club. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

“They are playing in Europe most of them, so I know it’s very difficult.

“But I like to compete and I like to have big goals, so it (an international call-up) is one of my next goals.”

Isaias received his citizenship along with nine others, including his three-year-old daughter, Vega, in the ceremony hosted by the Department of Home Affairs.

He said the quality of life enjoyed by his wife, Sara, and their two children, made the decision to commit to Australia an easy one.

“It’s a lovely country,” said Isaias, who would lead United into battle against archrival Melbourne Victory at Hindmarsh on Wednesday (7.20pm kick-off).

“I would like to grow my kids here because it’s a safe and healthy country.

“I feel really happy at the moment.

“Not only for me, as well for my family.

“It’s a special day for us and I hope to celebrate tomorrow (Wednesday) with three points.”