"The Jets believed in me when nobody else did," Flores said.

Flores was released by Central Coast after he suffered a serious knee injury in his first season at the Mariners.

The Jets wasted no time in snapping up clubless Flores who won the Johnny Warren Medal in his first season in Australia with Adelaide United in 2011.

The so-called 'Fantasista from Reconquista' said he cannot speak highly enough of the club.

"I owe the Jets big time for giving me another chance when few people believed I would come back from my knee injury," Flores said.

"I'm so grateful to the Jets and I am determined to repay them for all the faith they have shown in me with a great season.

"You know, sometimes it is not the big money which drives you to perform well for a club but the feeling you get that you are wanted and that you are trusted.

"That is the impression I got 10 minutes after visiting the club for the first time."

Flores said he was feeling "over the moon" with the way rehabilitation is going and is already training regularly with Phil Stubbins's squad.

He said he cannot wait for an opportunity to kick a ball in anger in a proper match for the first time in eight and a half months.

The chance might arrive at the weekend when Newcastle takes on Wellington Phoenix in a trial at Hunter Stadium.

"It's been a nightmare lasting eight and a half months, the worst period of my career," Flores said.

"But I'm close to playing now and apparently I should get some game time on Saturday when we play Wellington.

"I'm obviously very happy and excited especially since the action is not that far away now.

"I'm training hard and my movement is fine so, thank God, everything is going alright.

"The Jets gave me a chance and I have taken it with both hands."

Flores might have midfield enforcer Erik Paartalu as a teammate by the time the A-League season starts.

The Jets are believed to be chasing the former Brisbane Roar star who is currently playing in Thailand with Muangthong United.

Flores and Paartalu crossed paths several times in the A-League when the former played for Adelaide.

He said Paartalu's acquisition would be a tremendous coup for the club.

"I know Paartalu's game very well and I can tell you I'd rather have him on my side than as an opponent," Flores said.

"Erik is a fantastic player and the sort of midfielder who would help us achieve our aims.

"He would lift us individually and as a team.

"He is committed and knows his job and it would be a privilege for me and any Jets player to wear the same jersey as him.

"I don't know what is happening really but if he came here I would be delighted and I'm sure so would everybody else at the club."