His presence on the pitch is undoubtedly positive: not only has he scored four goals and four assists, he also brings to the game invaluable experience from playing at the highest level, which has made an important contribution to the overall performance of his new team.
Western United’s first season in the A-League got off to a good start, with many impressive performances.
But there was one, perhaps inevitable, low point.
“We started off well,” Diamanti said.
“But some very experienced players have left in recent months, and have been replaced by younger players who – like any athlete – need to grow and gain some experience.
“But I’m completely optimistic – we work very well, and there is a great team spirit.”
Willpower, work ethic, enthusiasm and passion: these principles and values best summarise Diamanti’s time in Australia.
“My goal is to work every day with maximum intensity and to give my all on Sundays,” he declared.
“This league is taken as seriously as possible... and rightfully so.
“If this approach is taken, you can have fun, you can help others have fun and you can accomplish a great deal.”
There’s no doubt Diamanti takes his soccer seriously – it’s evident in the intensity and determination he brings to every game.
“I take a very serious and professional approach to football because I want to keep a promise that I made when I was five years old,” he said.
“I would have done anything and everything to get where I am now.
“I want to keep that promise until the last day of my football career.”
Diamanti doesn’t spare himself on the field; he always seeks to perform at his best, both during matches and at training.
“I have a great relationship with all my teammates and with the whole environment,” he said.
“I am an extremely positive and joyful person, and I make it easy for people to like me.”
“I really like this group of guys and I’m very happy to share this experience with them.”
His competitive spirit and high-class games have immediately won the hearts of Australian football and Western United fans, and this country has become a special place for Diamanti and his family.
“We’re doing very well here and we really like Melbourne,” he said.
“We enjoy the city’s lifestyle and the quality of the schools for our children; it’s been a very positive experience for me and for my whole family.
“I’m certainly planning on spending another year here; I want to play in the A-League again.
“I don’t know where yet, but I want to continue playing in Australia.”
Diamanti and his wife recently demonstrated their love of Australia with the launch of a project in support of those affected by the devastating bushfires in NSW and Victoria.
“My wife had a wonderful idea: to sell a line of shirts with my slogan, ‘Poi Bo...’, with the profit going towards organisations offering direct assistance to the victims,” he said.
“The concept that encompasses the spirit of this initiative is ‘the power of humanity’.
“When we all come together, great results can be achieved.
“This is why we hope we can create a strong sense of community around the project.”
But what’s the meaning behind Diamanti’s slogan?
“‘Poi Bo...’ is an extremely profound idea; it’s about living life with passion,” he said.
“It began as a joke, but it embodies the sense of always being present and enjoying every moment.”
Let’s take a leaf out of Diamanti’s book and enjoy the talent and determination of a great athlete who has a huge heart, both on and off the field.
For more information on the ‘Poi Bo... Australian Bushfire 2020’ initiative, visit the website or Instagram page.
