BEN Garuccio says that the advice of Australian former Hearts players helped him decide to move to Edinburgh after penning a three-year deal in Gorgie.
The 22-year-old agreed a pre-contract move to Tynecastle from Adelaide United on Thursday.
Garuccio, who plays as a left-back, has spent his entire career so far in Australia and revealed that he sought the opinion of ex-Jambos Patrick Kisnorbo and Dylan McGowan before agreeing to the move.
Read more: Jon McLaughlin keeping his options open but admits he'd be happy to stay at Hearts
"I’ve got quite a few friends that have played in Scotland so I was able to get a lot of advice," he said.
"A few of them have played at Hearts and under Craig Levein, so that was a huge help.
“I spoke to guys like Patrick Kisnorbo and Dylan McGowan, so yeah, it was really good to get the views of Aussie boys who have played for Hearts in the past. They only had good things to say about the club.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for me to join such a big club and I can’t wait to get over to Edinburgh and get started.
“I’ve been impressed with everything I’ve seen so far. Craig showed me around and just right from the word go I had a really good feeling about the club.
“It’s always nice when a manager takes the time to find out all about you and makes you feel wanted. Being able to communicate with him and understand exactly what he wants from me has been great and I’ve got a really good feeling.
“I absolutely loved Edinburgh, the training ground is of a high standard and the stadium is unbelievable. I can’t wait to play my first game there.”
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