Socceroos ace Richard Garcia chasing Sky Blue ambitions after joining Sydney FC Richard Garcia, a new signing for Sydney FC, wearing the 2013/14 playing strip. Picture: Brett Costello Source: DailyTelegraph RICHARD Garcia didnt think twice about signing for Sydney FC when the opportunity came up and says he is excited to be part of such an ambitious club. But there was a period during the off-season where the experienced midfielder was in limbo. Garcia, 31, won Melbourne Heart's player of the year last season, but failed to reach an agreement over a contract extension. The Sky Blues stepped in with an offer and Garcia jumped at the chance to play alongside the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Brett Emerton and Nick Carle. Yesterday was his first training session with his new teammates after the versatile forward missed out on Sydney FC's preseason tour of Italy. "It would have been nice to go and spend a bit of time with the boys in Italy," Garcia said. When you're away you get to know the boys a bit quicker because you're in close quarters. But never mind, I've got the next six weeks to get to know them and get to know how the team plays, so it's all exciting times for me. They're easing me back into it, which was nice, so I'm sure it will slowly get more intense until we're ready for the kick-off this season. Garcia has joined a strong attacking line-up that already boasts Del Piero, Corey Gameiro, Joel Chianese, Yairo Yau, Mitchell Mallia and Blake Powell, but says the competition for places can only be a good thing. When you've got a competitive atmosphere it's always good because you keep driving the person on that's behind you and the guy who's in front of you. Frank (Farina) knows I can play in quite a few positions and so far he's just said he wants to utilise me as much as he can, so for me that's more than good enough. I'm happy to play no matter where I play so I'm just looking forward to getting a good season under my belt. Garcia is a product of the prestigious West Ham youth academy and played regularly alongside Joe Cole and Michael Carrick before rounding off his playing days in the English Premier League at Hull City. He remains close friends with Carrick and met up with the Manchester United star when the English Premier League giants visited Sydney in July. "I'm very good friends with Mike, we grew up together," Garcia said. We were very successful in that youth team and we formed close bonds, so I'm still in touch with quite a few of the guys from the side.