FORMER Sunderland and Middlesbrough star Julio Arca isn't taking his South Shields responsibilities lightly after joining the Step 6 side.
The 34-year-old Argentinian played more than 300 times in the Premier League for the two north-east clubs before retiring from professional football in 2013.
Last season he turned out for Sunday League pub side Willow Pond, but he's now been persuaded to join Northern League Division Two South Shields.
And with the club harbouring title aspirations, Arca knows he's going to have to pull his weight when he plays.
Arca said: “South Shields is getting bigger. The club is investing a lot of money in players and in the stadium. So it's becoming a big name and everyone wants to beat South Shields now because of the way things are progressing.
“I'm very competitive in what I do. So I want to win every game, that's what happened last season when I was playing Sunday League with my friends.
“I was probably the most competitive in the team because if I do something, I want to do it right. So that's the idea here. I want to do it right, I want to play right and no messing around.”
Arca, comfortable at left-back or in midfield, made his debut in Saturday's league clash with Stokesley Sports Club. And he's hoping his signature helps boost the numbers through the gate at Mariners Park.
“I know South Shields is half Newcastle, half Sunderland,” he added. “I hope the Sunderland fans who saw me play can follow me here and watch the games. That will be excellent and hopefully will give more publicity to the team.”
