Former Bricklayer, Florent Indalecio signs for Newcastle. says He's ready for his second opportunity thanks to his close pal Allan Saint Maximin

Florent Indalecio who played for Australian fourth division while working part-time as a bricklayer says he's ready to cease the opportunity given to him by Newcastle.

The 23-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the north east side after a successful trial and will initially link up with the club’s Under-23 squad.

The footballer career was over before it began when he was diagnosed with a tumour in his knee shortly after his release by hometown club Saint-Etienne at the age of 15.

"It was hard for me, very difficult,” he told Newcastle's website. “I was in my house for a month and a half and I had a brace on my leg. After that, I was going to the physiotherapist everyday, doing rehabilitation work about two times a day for maybe six to eight months.

"I was in the gym a lot because I lost most of the muscle in my leg when I stayed at home. I put on about 13 kilograms in one year and I was coming back stronger to restart football."

According to Goal, it was his close friend Magpies winger Allan Saint-Maximin, who spoke to the manager Steve Bruce to offer his friend a trial.

Indalecio had a short spell in America before attempting to revive his career in Australia, signing for semi-professional fourth-tier side Fraser Park FC in Sydney.

When not playing and training he worked part-time as a bricklayer.

"I never worked in construction before I moved to Australia so I said 'OK, I will try it'. I never spoke any English either before I moved there so I just had to learn on the construction site with the people I met," he said.

"It was very tough because I would do that job first, then after to make more money and live better I had a second labouring job. The first one would be from 7am to 3pm. I would go back to my apartment, take a shower and then work at 6pm until 2am.

"I did this to help my family and my parents, especially my mum. It was hard because I would only sleep about three hours per day.

"All year in Australia it is hot and I would be working in 30-35 degree heat. Sometimes you had no time to drink because the bricklayers would be asking for cement or bricks. I had a very strict boss so I learnt a lot from Australia. I know the real life when you wake up at half five in the morning and you go to work.”

"I said to the club that I don't want to sign for fun or for the money. I really wanted to sign for Newcastle to prove that I can play one day at the highest level possible,” he said.

"I'm enjoying my time here. I appreciate all my teammates and already have good relationships with them and the staff too.

"I'm feeling good in Newcastle and I am very happy to be here. I'm just focused on playing football and I know the real work starts right now."