RODRIGO TOSI NETTED a hat-trick that may never have been on Friday night if it weren’t for some late night Asian persuasion from Limerick administrators.
It wasn’t until midday on Friday that Tosi was declared eligible to play for Limerick in that evening’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division opener at home to Sligo Rovers.
Some tireless work overnight got Tosi’s registration through on time. The Brazilian striker, who went on to score a hat-trick in Limerick’s 5-1 victory, explained the situation.
“You know, I’m here for over a month now. Before [Thursday], they told me: ‘Hey, you’re here, you’re transferred’. But in Asia, they work a little bit slower,” said the 34-year-old, who most recently had been with Persija Jakarta in Indonesia.
“[Thursday night], it was 50/50. Even [Friday] morning, I didn’t know. I was watching my phone all the time and waiting for some good news. Around midday, I got the good news. I’m really happy I got to play here.”
Tosi has been prolific almost everywhere he has played, but even by his standards he believes it was a dream league debut. Tosi’s career has taken him to clubs in seven different countries, including Switzerland, Greece and his native Brazil.
“It was a brilliant start,” he said. “Not just for me, but for the team. It’s always good to win the first match at home. Considering the result, it was a bit surprising for us. Even though we worked a lot — it paid off.
“Of course I always expected to score goals. I’m a striker, but to start with three goals is really like a dream. The lads know me. The first match, it was a little bit different but now they know me. They know exactly how to cross the ball to me — I’ll always be there and that’s why I got the goals.”
The League of Ireland is a new experience for the well-cultured striker, but he was quick to commend the style of play as Limerick turn their attentions to Friday night’s trip to Derry City.
Tosi said: “For me, it was a little bit different. For the last few years, I was playing in Asia. The speed is a little bit different. Nothing too complicated — but I like the quality because we try to play football. That’s the most important thing.
“For me, it’s the best thing. It’s very physical here, but it’s not about long balls. That’s what I’m looking for — we can play football.”
