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James O’Connor says Orlando City will always remain a work in progress until they are crowned MLS champions.

The former Stoke City midfielder has pulled off a transfer coup by announcing the arrival of Manchester United old boy Nani from Sporting Lisbon on a free transfer and three-year contract.

He took over at Stoke’s sister club Orlando last summer after success at another partner club, Louisville City and is aiming high.

“Everybody wants to say something is complete… but it will be complete when we bring an MLS Championship – that’s when it’s complete,” he said.

“We are always looking, we’re always looking for ways to improve our squad. When we got the opportunity to bring in someone of Nani’s quality, it brings tremendous excitement for all the fans.

“When I look at the rest of the squad I think we’re pretty close to where we need to be.”

O’Connor starts his new season at home against New York City on March 2, having experienced a tough first few months in charge after taking the reins last June. Orlando ended up bottom of the Eastern Conference and second bottom in the overall table.

(Image: Getty/Sentinel)

It has been a busy close-season re-shaping the squad, with Nani the undoubted big name arrival.

O’Connor said: “I’ve not coached a player of this calibre but I’ve maybe played with players (like Nani). Andy Cole, from Man Utd, Kanu, who obviously played at Arsenal. I’ve been around players who have had that level of quality.

“I think the biggest thing for us is that when you have someone who has this amount of quality, to put him in the most-effective areas to show this quality. That’s the best thing we’ve got to do to utilise him.

“He’s a world class player who has had an incredible career so I think for us we need to be very sensible about how we utilise his skill set and maximise the opportunity we have with a player like this.”

Nani was on Stoke’s radar three years ago when he instead signed for Valencia. He then spent time on loan at Lazio before heading to first club Sporting last summer.

“I believe he is a game changer but I don’t think he needs to feel any pressure,” said O’Connor. “It’s not just Nani, he’s got 10 other teammates available to help.

“When you look at the quality Nani has, the ability to change the course of a game – he has a history of being able to create and score goals at the highest level.

(Image: Jon Bartholomew)

“For us we are genuinely excited about having a player of this quality and also for some of the younger players to see how an elite player who has conquered so much of world football trains and how he operates on and off the field.

“It’s not just what he brings on the field, it’s what he brings off the field too.”

He added: “Nani met the players and I think his leadership will be something we will be able to utilise both on and off the field.

“It’s something we’re very pleased to have, the example he sets in training and on the field but also from an encouragement stand point. For some of our young players it’s a chance to tap into his knowledge and ask advice because of the stellar career he’s had.”