[size=7]White City sign Cristiano[/size]by Lee Gagliardi07.06.2011 11:24
Devine Premier League promotion contender White City has boosted its chances of playing in the Devine Super League next season after signing former Adelaide United striker Cristiano.
The Brazilian left Maltese club Tarxien Rainbows and is waiting on the arrival of his International Transfer Clearance before he can make his debut in the Devine Premier League.
Cristiano made 61 appearances and scored 15 goals for Adelaide United, including Goal of the Tournament in the 2008 FIFA World Club Cup.
The former Reds marksman was also infamously sent off after just 10 minutes in United's 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory in the 2009 Hyundai A-League Grand Final.
Cristiano said he is delighted to be back in Adelaide after a year in Malta and is happy White City have adopted him as one of their own.
"I'm very happy to be back here in Adelaide after a year away. White City is helping me a lot and I'm very happy to be here," he said.
The Brazilian admitted he still harbours dreams of one day returning to Adelaide United.
"My dream is to go back to Adelaide United so I'd be very happy if I could get the opportunity to play for them again, that's my wish. You can't always have what you want but we'll see what's going to happen," he said.
Aside from playing in the Devine Premier League, Cristiano will coach White City's U11 small-sided team.
The 30-year-old will also assist Football Federation SA with coaching at school visits and the Special Olympics Day event to be held at Rostrevor College on Thursday, June 9.
Cristiano revealed coaching at a higher level is also a future ambition.
"Before I left I did my course to coach juniors," he said.
"And now I'm very happy to help out White City with the U11s. I'm also doing some coaching for the FFSA as well so I'm very happy to do it."
"Of course, that's what I am looking for so I'll need to upgrade my license."
Cristiano's sons Matheus, eight, and Raphael, seven, will both play in the U11 small sided team with Raphael talented enough to be playing three years above his age group.
"Both of them will play in the U11s," he said.
"He's a very good player, but he's just still only seven years old so there is a long way to go."
White City Football Director Milan Sofranic admitted signing Cristiano was a major coup for the club.
"I kept in touch with Cristiano since he left Adelaide United," he said.
"Having him at our club is such a wonderful thing, it's so good for our club. As well as playing, he is helping us with our junior structure and coaching some of the juniors and he has already done a great job since taking on the role."