Michael Steinwender revealed a conversation with Peter Haring helped seal his transfer to Tynecastle.
The 24-year-old Austrian joins Hearts on a three-and-a-half-year deal from IFK Värnamo in Sweden’s top division, and said he received glowing reports about life in Gorgie from the former Jambos
Michael’s agent was a teammate of Haring at Rapid Vienna, and played alongside former Jambo Donis Avdijaj at Hartberg, with the 6’ 3’ centre-half looking forward to life in maroon and white.
“I heard about the football club. I also know that Donis and Peter also played here; I had a chat with them,” he told Hearts TV.
“They only said good things about the club. And when I heard about the fans and the crowd, I was very excited to come here.”
A towering presence at the back, Michael believes his attributes will suit Scottish football well, especially after earning his stripes playing in Austria and Sweden.
Arriving from a Swedish pre-season, the defender is also ready to be involved straightaway should Neil Critchley call upon him ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Kilmarnock.
“It’s pretty hard to describe myself because it depends how the playing style is of the team also,” he explained.
“But I would say my attributes are that I like to defend. I like to do headings. I like to talk a lot with my people, try to help everybody. That's how I am. And, I have the attribute to be very fast.
“I think my first training session is on Thursday. But, of course, I also had my programs, what I had to do to try to stay as fit as possible. We'll see what happens.”
After taking in the facilities at Tynecastle and Oriam with Sporting Director Graeme Jones, Michael says he can’t wait to get stuck into life as a Hearts player.
And the Austrian says he’s already been impressed by the size of the club in these early stages.
“I almost got goosebumps!” he said. “It's impressive. The stadium and then also in Oriam, they have everything. In my old club, it was not like that.
“I can't wait to step my first foot into the stadium and play a game. I'm very excited to be here and very happy.”
