The winger admits that he was close to leaving in the summer after seemingly unable to get a start under Roberto Martinez.<\/p>\n
But a change of manager, a new contract and some starts pre-season and Orlandi is back and raring to go for the new season with the opening fixture at Leicester just seven days away.<\/p>\n
“This is like a fresh start for me,” he told the Western Mail. “I feel like a new player in a new club. Obviously I know the fans and I love this club, but, in terms of playing, everyone is back to square one.<\/p>\n
“We have to show the manager we can play and I will try to do that. It’s great to have everything sorted and just focus on my football again. Swansea was always my first choice, but for a moment I thought I was going somewhere else.<\/p>\n
“I rang the chairman and sorted everything out. As soon as I joined up with the boys in Portugal I knew I was making the right choice.<\/p>\n
“If Roberto had stayed I would have gone, but the new gaffer said I would have the chance to play.<\/p>\n
“His words made me think it would be a good season and I was more than happy to stay after that meeting.<\/p>\n
“I played in the centre of midfield a couple of times during the tour of Spain and I’m used to that position from my time at Barcelona,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I don’t mind playing there at all and think I can do a good job there.<\/p>\n
“To be honest, I don’t really care where I play so long as I can get in the team.<\/p>\n
“Now I just need to try and get fit because, after the delay with my contract, I’m 10 days behind everyone else.”<\/p>\n