Ugandan international Rogers Mato will wear shirt 74 at Scottish Premier League side Hearts of Midlothian following his unveiling on Thursday.
Mato signed on an initial loan until end of the season before the permanent deal of three years is triggered having joined from Vardar in North Macedonia.
Speaking to club media, Mato who played for Proline and KCCA in Uganda confidently said that he is at the club to help it achieve the targets and why he chose jersey no. 74.
“It is a great pleasure to be here at Hearts. I think it is my dream come true to be here. I am pleased to be here finally,” he told the club media in his first interview.
“The hospitality is good. Felt like a new home. Looks like am born again and everyone has welcomed me well,” he added.
When asked the choice of jersey 74, he was honest to reveal the one he prefers is already donned but wants to carry the club legacy on his back.
The number I wanted some guy in the Junior Team has it and decided not to take it; I took 74 since the club started in 1874 to carry the club legacy on my back. It is a big responsibility but I am man, we carry responsibilities and I can hide from them.
On why he chose Hearts and not any other club, Mato stated; “Probably the ideas of the Hearts Sports Director, the dreams for the team somehow coped with my dreams. And the moment I got on the call, I accepted. I also liked the facilities, the training grounds, the stadium, the fans as well.”
Mato also confidently spoke about what he brings to the team and promises to give his best.
“I am a goalscorer and goal maker,” he immediately answered. “I am looking forward to scoring and creating as many as I can. Looking forward to put the team where they want to be, to the dreams belongs, I think Hearts is one of the best clubs in Scotland.
So, they need the best, I need the best. At my best, probably the club will be at its best. And am looking forward to making the fans happy. I know football has good moments, bad moments but we pray for only the good moments.
Mato walks in the footsteps of legendary David Obua, Tobby Sibbick and Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru.