Perth Glory’s recent Spanish signing Andreu has returned to the A-League following talks with former Sporting Gijon teammate and Glory superstar Diego Castro.

After a career that’s seen him play in Spain, Georgia, Poland, New Zealand and Australia for Western Sydney Wanderers, Andreu moved to Greek club Aris before a certain Johnny Warren Medallist came calling.

“I played with Diego for five years in Spain and he told me that (at Glory) there are really good people, including the coaches, the players and the office staff as well,” he said.

“He also said Perth is a great city and it was a very easy decision to come here.

I feel really happy to be here.”

Andreu joins fellow countrymen Castro and Xavi Torres at the club with this Spanish flavour still proving to be a common theme among A-League clubs.

Andreu formed part of the Spanish contingent that helped Western Sydney Wanderers reach the 2015/16 Grand Final alongside Dimas and Alberto, while Adelaide United boasted Championship winning trio Isias, Sanchez and Cirio in the same year.

Andreu acknowledged the role current Australia U-23 coach Josep Gombau had on the A-League as well as compatriot Isaias in bringing Spaniards down under.

“The borders in world football are now wide open,” Andreu said.

“I think Isaias made a great impression at Adelaide and they also had a Spanish coach and they did well.

“So I think that set an example that a lot of other A-League clubs then followed.”

Alongside Andreu’s signing, the retention of Castro for a third straight season was a massive coup for Glory and having seen the winger’s brilliance firsthand at Sporting Gijon, Andreu was quick to sing his praise.

“I was with him there for four years and he was one of the best players in the league at that time,” he said.

“We got promoted to La Liga and he also did very well then in the top flight and that was why Getafe came in to sign him.”

Andreu came up through La Masia academy and played alongside some impressive players but says Castro is in a similar class to some of Barcelona’s finest talents, including some familiar names.

“Someone called Messi! Also Iniesta, but Diego is definitely up there with those guys as the best that I’ve played with. One hundred percent.”

Perth face Andreu’s former employer Western Sydney in round one at Spotless Stadium on Sunday October 8 and the 34-year-old will be desperate to make his return from injury.

With Glory boasting an attacking quartet of Adam Taggart, Andy Keogh, Mitch Nichols and Castro, a fully fit Andreu controlling the tempo of games in the heart of midfield means they will pose a serious threat to all A-League teams.