Exciting times lie ahead for the Wellington Phoenix as young talent Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues commits his future to the club, signing his first professional contract that spans the next three seasons. At just 16 years old, Sloane-Rodrigues has already etched his name into Phoenix history books as the youngest player to grace the A-League stage, debuting in March with a performance that turned heads.

The New Zealand U-17 international's journey to professional football has been nothing short of remarkable. Moving to Wellington at the age of 14 to join the Phoenix academy, Sloane-Rodrigues has demonstrated exceptional promise since his arrival. His dedication and hard work have culminated in this significant milestone, with his contract including two years on scholarship terms—a testament to the club's belief in his potential.

Reflecting on his rapid rise, Sloane-Rodrigues expressed gratitude and excitement, stating, "It's been a big dream of mine since I joined the academy. I didn't think it would come this quickly. I'm obviously over the moon about it." He acknowledges the crucial role played by his mother, Donna, whose unwavering support and sacrifices have been instrumental in his footballing journey.

Sloane-Rodrigues joins a select group of players who have graduated from the Phoenix academy to the first team under the guidance of head coach Giancarlo Italiano. Italiano's faith in young talent has been a driving force behind the success of the academy, with Sloane-Rodrigues poised to make his mark on the professional stage.

Italiano, impressed by Sloane-Rodrigues's talent and work ethic, believes the young forward possesses the potential to be a game-changer for the Phoenix. "He needs time, but after two years in this environment, he'll be flying," Italiano remarked. With a clear vision for Sloane-Rodrigues's development, Italiano aims to see the youngster progress similarly to Oskar van Hattum, another academy graduate who has flourished in the first team.

Looking ahead, Sloane-Rodrigues's signing strengthens the Phoenix's squad for the upcoming A-League season, with the club now boasting a roster of 17 players committed to the 2024-25 campaign and beyond. As Sloane-Rodrigues embarks on this new chapter in his footballing journey, all eyes will be on the rising star as he seeks to leave his mark on the beautiful game.

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Reference: Source: [Friends of Football]