NEW RECRUIT Marcos Senesi has revealed the reason why fans of his previous club, Feyenoord, called him ‘El Gladiador’ – with the nickname originally coined by his father, Ricardo.

Cherries unveiled their fifth signing of the summer on Monday, with the Argentine centre-back arriving from Europa Conference League finalists Feyenoord on a four-year deal rumoured to have cost his new employers in the region of €15 million.

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Already an international for Argentina, the 25-year-old arrives highly-rated for his ability to drive up the pitch with the ball from the back.

Explaining how the moniker first came about, Senesi explained to afcbtv how it stemmed from his father’s shouts of encouragement during his early footballing journey, before being adopted by the De Kuip faithful.

He shared: “Actually that comes from my father, he always says ‘come on gladiator, you are doing well, blah blah blah.’

“They took it, the fans, and they started to call me that."

Bournemouth Echo: Marcos Senesi became Cherries' fifth signing of the window (Pic: AFC Bournemouth)Marcos Senesi became Cherries' fifth signing of the window (Pic: AFC Bournemouth)

Both his parents were in attendance as Senesi signed his contract at the Vitality Stadium, with the Argentinian stressing how important family was to him.

“I’m a family guy, I like to have my people around,” he mentioned.

“They are always there to support me, in the good and the bad moments. They are really important to me.”

Aside from last season’s run to a European final, a highlight of his stint in Rotterdam was an audacious overhead kick against ADO Den Haag, that was later crowned the Eredivisie goal of the season.

The acrobatic effort is rarely attempted by strikers let alone centre-backs, but Senesi shared that as soon as the ball sat up nicely, he just had to try his luck.

Reminiscing, the former San Lorenzo man shared: “It was an amazing goal.

“I was in the box, and the first time I saw the ball in the air, the first thing in my mind was ‘okay, do the bicycle.’

“It was a beautiful goal, and I got that award – I’m really happy with that.”

Senesi will be available this weekend as Cherries travel north to face reigning champions Manchester City.

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