From Fraser Park to St James’ Park
In March earlier this year unbeknown to many in the footballing world, a 23-year-old Frenchman by the name of Florent Indalecio was making waves with National Premier Leagues 4 NSW Men’s club Fraser Park prior to COVID-19 putting a halt to football operations that all but postponed the competition till its reboot in July.
Indalecio, a former St Etienne player in France’s Ligue 1, saw Australia as an opportunity to reignite his talent once again, but no one would have guessed that it would have led him to trialing with English Premier League side Newcastle United.
Working as a construction worker during the day and wanting to once again become a professional footballer after a short hiatus from the sport, it’s crazy how many of us all missed his talents running around in the NPL 4 NSW Men’s competition.
Latest English Press Reports have stated that Indalecio has impressed Manager Steve Bruce and his coaching staff after some scintillating displays for the club’s Under 23’s side as well as scoring a spectacular overhead kick during a recent first team training run which saw the club’s French star and close friend Allan Saint-Maximin post it on his personal Instagram account.
The clip went viral instantly prompting many Geordie fans to question just who is Florent Indalecio?
Fraser Park’s 31-year-old up and coming coach Alex Araujo knew instantly the star “Flo” was when he first saw him don the jersey of the proud Australian Portuguese club.
“I knew Flo was on a different level, he was very sharp, technically sound and physically was matching it with everyone in what is a tough league in NPL NSW Men’s 4.
“I believe he did have a couple of trials with some higher clubs in the NPL NSW competition but due to the two Visa spots on offer, made it hard for clubs to give him that opportunity.
“Thankfully we gave him a chance – he got on really well with our current French captain Alexis Wenzel as they were good friends.
“He played two matches and then COVID hit which saw him venture to England prior to full lockdown as I understand he was close mates with Allan Saint-Maximin whom he is currently rooming with.”
Club Captain Alexis Wenzel was the main figure that bought ‘Flo’ to Fraser Park.
“He was living with my younger brother in the city and that’s how we met.
“I took care of him like my little brother and said that he had to give everything he had if he wanted to make it to the top once more.
“He definitely gave everything he had with us and showed great values both as a footballer and a person.
“I really hope he gets a contract, we FaceTime each other regularly, I am wishing him all the best with this, I really hope it works out for him.”
It’s believed Saint-Maximin urged Bruce to give Indalecio a chance to show his worth and thus far has really wowed the audiences at Tyneside.
It remains to be seen whether Indalecio has done enough to warrant himself a full-time contract but this has shown yet again another example of a footballer quietly going under the radar in our very own National Premier Leagues NSW competitions.
One minute Indalecio is playing at Fraser Park’s Inner West facility, the next minute he is high fiving the likes of Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and co, whatever happens next, one thing’s for sure, Florent Indalecio has definitely put Fraser Park FC on the map in the U.K.
For now, the 23-year-old has won himself a further two-week trial with the Geordie based club with the hope of landing a permanent deal.
We will follow this news item with much interest that’s for sure.
Cue the Santiago Munez script!
What a wonder strike by florent indalecio who has been playing in the Australian division 5 and is friends with wor @asaintmaximin hopefully @nufc will sign him up #nufctakeover #nufc #hwtl pic.twitter.com/Q5z9QN0ITV
— 100% MAGS (@100PCTMAGS) September 16, 2020
