Louis Verstraete

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Making my debut for Gent was an incredible experience. I remember stepping onto the pitch against Anderlecht and feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. To be given that opportunity at such a young age motivated me to keep pushing myself and working hard in training.

Scoring in the Europa League was a dream come true. I was just 17 at the time, and when I found the net against Genk, it felt surreal. It was a moment I’ll never forget, and I was proud to become the youngest goal scorer in that season’s competition.

At Waasland-Beveren, I learned to take on more responsibility, especially during my second stint when I scored crucial goals to help the team avoid relegation. Those experiences taught me about resilience and the importance of contributing to the team in tough situations.

I saw the A-League as a fantastic opportunity to experience a new environment and challenge myself in a different league. Auckland FC has a strong vision for the future, and I wanted to be part of that journey. It’s exciting to be in a new country and contribute to a team that’s eager to grow.

The transition has been very positive. New Zealand is beautiful, and the people are incredibly welcoming. The culture here is vibrant and laid-back, which is refreshing. I’m enjoying exploring Auckland and learning more about the local culture. It’s a great place.

I want to thank the fans for their warm welcome. Your support means everything to us players, and I’m excited to put in the hard work to make you proud. Together, let’s make this season memorable and achieve great things!