A conversation with former Phoenix captain Ulises Davila has convinced Gael Sandoval to sign a loan deal with the Wellington club for the rest of the A-League season.
Gael Sandoval of Guadalajara, right, vies for the ball with Vladimir Loroña of Tijuana, left. Photo: AFP
The Phoenix confirmed the signing of the Mexican playmaker on Tuesday, with the 26-year-old winger arriving in Sydney on loan from Mexican top league club Guadalajara.
Sandoval would be able to start training after he had self-isolated for 72 hours and returned a negative Covid-19 test.
He wouldn't, though, be available to play for the Phoenix until the A-League transfer window opened on January 14.
Sandoval was a teammate of Dávila at Mexican top league club Santos Laguna and was hoping to follow in the footsteps of the reigning Johnny Warren medallist.
"I talked with Ulises before I talked with the Phoenix," Sandoval said.
"Uli has told me the team is great, New Zealand is great…and it's a good life. He explained about everything; the team, the coach, the city and he supported me."
Sandoval arrived at the Phoenix with 119 appearances in Mexico's top division (Liga MX) for Santos Laguna, Chivas, FC Juárez and Mazatlan since 2016, scoring seven goals and creating 16 others.
He said it had been a goal of his to play in another country.
"I'm hungry and I want to help the Phoenix win the title. I feel so good. I want to play to win and to help the team."
Sandoval described himself versatile, dynamic and a fast thinker with good vision.