Jesse Marsch played a key role in Luis Sinisterra’s decision to join Leeds United earlier this month. The winger completed his switch to Elland Road from Feyenoord last week for an undisclosed fee, thought to be around the £20million mark.
Sinisterra linked up with his new team-mates last week at Thorp Arch before flying out with them to Australia for the start of the Whites’ pre-season tour and he is expected to make his first appearance for the club in Thursday’s pre-season friendly clash with Brisbane Roar at the Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast. The Colombia international's form in a Feyenoord shirt, scoring 23 goals in all competitions last season, attracted plenty of potential suitors, with Arsenal and Everton linked to his signature earlier in the transfer window.
However, the words of Marsch and Victor Orta were enough to persuade him to become Leeds' sixth summer recruit.
Read more: Leeds United Australia diary day one: Beach football, fans out in force, first training session
“It’s amazing to be here,” Sinisterra said after the club’s first training session Down Under. “The team is amazing and they gave me a warm welcome. I’m enjoying my time already.
“It’s a beautiful team. Victor and this team, they gave me the confidence from the beginning when we started talking, the coach also gave me the confidence and that’s why I chose Leeds. Also, it’s an historic club with beautiful fans and I feel ready to compete in the Premier League.
“I spoke with him (Marsch) and that was a reason to come here, the confidence he gave me, it said a lot for me.”
The winger’s role under Marsch remains to be seen, but he is no stranger to the way the American likes his side to play. As soon as Sinisterra knew of Leeds’ interest, which was some time ago, he took it upon himself to do his homework on the club.
“I saw a lot of games,” he added. “We were speaking with Leeds a long time ago, so I tried to be focused and see the games and get ready for when the opportunity came. I can’t remember (when Leeds made contact), but we have spoken for a long time.”
Sinisterra was a popular figure in Rotterdam and he was even labelled as the best left winger in the Dutch top flight, but what does he feel he can bring to Elland Road?
“I’m a hard worker, I have an offensive style and a lot of skills. I try to score and assist my team-mates,” he said. “I enjoy (that pressure), it’s my role and I try to do my best for Leeds United.”
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