New Tai Po striker James Temelkovski has arrived in Hong Kong with the recent advice of a World Cup and Champions League winner ringing in his ears.
Last summer, Temelkovski secured a dream professional opportunity with the Australian A-League team Western Sydney Wanderers.
However, the 27-year-old Australian made only eight substitute appearances in his single campaign. His solitary goal, against Central Coast Mariners, was created by former Chelsea and Manchester United forward Juan Mata.
“Even though he’s a world-class footballer, as a human being he’s one of a kind,” Temelkovski said. “He’ll put his arm around you and wants to know you and understand how you think. He was an incredible friend and mentor.
“He knew my time at the club was tough, but he told me he believed in me, that I was an unbelievable player, and I couldn’t allow my head to go down. He said I had to keep striving to get where I want, because that’s what a real footballer does.”
Temelkovski was close enough with Mata – part of Spain’s 2010 world champion squad and a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2012 – that the pair devised forfeits for their darts matches.