The transfer window is still one week away from officially opening but the first deal has already been struck, with superstar Ben Monteleone turning his back on Moreland Futsal Club after spending just half a season with the Blues.
It was a massive signing for Moreland when first announced, but it has not panned out the way it was planned, with Monteleone unhappy at the club and choosing to go back to his former employers in Balwyn Futsal Club.
Monteleone was planning on a farewell game against Brunswick this Friday but Moreland management have opted against it meaning he has played his final game for the club.
Series Futsal Spoke to Monteleone to find out exactly why he has made the move.
SF – Why the decision to leave Moreland Futsal Club?
BM – My heart never really left Balwyn, I really miss playing at the club and I have a strong relationship with the manager Gabriel Zeballos as well as family members at the club which also played a massive role in me wanting to return.
SF – What are you hoping to achieve with Balwyn Futsal Club?
BM – I want to help the club grow, not only on the court but off the court as well and I have a big role to play in the club’s youth team as coach and will take to the court when I have the chance.
Series Futsal have also managed to have a chat with Moreland President Deren Saban & Balwyn head coach Gabriel Zeballos to get their take on the matter.
Derren Saban ~ “It’s disappointing that we weren’t told earlier, Spiro Kargas has full authority over the playing group and everyone has reacted well during trainings. Perhaps it had something to do with the upcoming transfers we are bringing in come round eleven and he may of felt threatened with game time. Nether the less you can’t force a club onto a player. The players that want to be here are here Tuesdays and Fridays are will be and the players that don’t, will look for a way out. We wish Ben the best of luck”
Gabriel Zeballos ~ “We are over the moon with the return of Ben. He was always a key part of our plans becoming a title contender one day. He is one of the best players in the league with his explosive pace and is a real x factor in our team. Although we havent had a good start to the season, we are on the improve and getting Ben back at this stage will see us pushing hard to stay out of the relegation zone. Ben’s heart was always with Balwyn, but going to Moreland was something he had to try and something he had to do and at the time it was something we accepted and respected. We believe we have a strong culture within our group, we are a family and it was this that Ben missed the most. I guess there are some things money just cant buy. We welcome Ben back to the Balwyn family, a place he has always belonged to”
Stay tuned for more articles as the mid season transfer window hots up!