Legendary goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri has signed on with Melbourne City for the 2023-24 Liberty A-League season, returning for a seventh successive campaign at the club.
The 43-year-old – who has been playing at the top level for more than 25 years – bolsters the club’s keeping stocks ahead of the new campaign, joining Canadian international Lysianne Proulx.
Barbieri will once again bring a wealth of experience to City’s side, having previously captained the Matildas at Olympic Games and World Cup campaigns alongside incredible domestic success – which includes winning two Liberty A-League Goalkeeper of the Year awards.
Barbieri’s contribution to Australian football was recognised when she was awarded with the PFA’s highest individual honours – the Alex Tobin OAM Medal, becoming only the second female to be recognised with the award.
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“It was a pretty simple decision to return to City once again. This place is my family and it was an easy decision to come back to help lead this team and group into the next generation and hopefully get some more trophies in the cabinet,” she said.
“The way last season ended lit a fire under us and is driving us forward into 2023/24. That said, we only look back to move forward by taking lessons and learning where we can improve.
“It’s going to be so exciting to see how we can translate all of the Women’s World Cup success into the A-Leagues. It’s really important that the people who supported the World Cup come out and support the local league because that’s how football grows.”
City coach Dario Vidosic added: “Bubs’ resume speaks for itself, and we couldn’t be happier to have her back in City colours this season.
“You won’t find many players across the country who have the kind of impact she has on a club, whether that’s on the training pitch, on matchday, or just in general day-to-day life.
“She’s a hugely important member of our squad and we expect her to once again play a key role for us this season both on and off the pitch.”
City begin their new season against Wellington Phoenix on October 15.
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