Orlandi: I Feel Like A New Player

Left winger Andrea Orlandi says he feels like a new player at a new club following the arrival of new boss Paulo Sousa.

The former Alaves B player, who also had spells on loan with Barcelona B, had a disappointing two years at the Liberty Stadium during Roberto Martinez's reign as manager. He was rarely given an opportunity to prove himself at first team level and as a result he nearly left Swansea City this Summer.

His contract expired in June, and while he had offers from other clubs, he chose to sign a new 2-year deal with the Swans.

With Paulo Sousa's arrival, Andrea Orlandi told Wales Online that it feels like a fresh start for him this year, but he would have left if Martinez had stayed:

"This is like a fresh start for me,"

"I feel like a new player in a new club. Obviously I know the fans and I love this club, but, in terms of playing, everyone is back to square one.

"We have to show the manager we can play and I will try to do that. It`s great to have everything sorted and just focus on my football again. Swansea was always my first choice, but for a moment I thought I was going somewhere else.

"I rang the chairman and sorted everything out. As soon as I joined up with the boys in Portugal I knew I was making the right choice.

"If Roberto had stayed I would have gone, but the new gaffer said I would have the chance to play.

"His words made me think it would be a good season and I was more than happy to stay after that meeting."

Orlandi had only been tested out on the left wing by Martinez but for the vast majority of his 2-year spell in South Wales, Mark Gower and Tom Butler were the two main wingers of choice for the left flank.

Orlandi, who's 25 on Monday, added that he'd be willing to play anywhere to get more first team appearances:

"I played in the centre of midfield a couple of times during the tour of Spain and I`m used to that position from my time at Barcelona,"

"I don`t mind playing there at all and think I can do a good job there.

"To be honest, I don`t really care where I play so long as I can get in the team.

"Now I just need to try and get fit because, after the delay with my contract, I`m 10 days behind everyone else."

With just 7 League starts in two years, here's hoping Orlandi is like a new signing for us in the 2009/2010. He has shown some promise with his skill and passing ability but he now needs to perform more consistently.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.