It started off as a joke, but Bruno Fornaroli’s dream has become a reality after the Perth Glory star sensationally received the all-clear to represent the Socceroos.
In 2017, Fornaroli’s former Isuzu UTE A-League club Melbourne City got into the swing of April Fool’s Day with their Socceroos stunt.
City tweeted that Fornaroli was now an Australian citizen as they congratulated the Uruguayan on his international selection.
Fornaroli was clearly ineligible at the time – the former Uruguay U17 international had only been in the country for less than two A-Leagues season.
While it was a joke on the surface, deep down, Fornaroli wanted to don the green and gold.
That farfetched dream is now a reality for Fornaroli in 2022 thanks to his recent Australian citizenship and a change in FIFA rules after the 34-year-old was named in Graham Arnold’s squad for their two crucial World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
“I say why not maybe one day,” Fornaroli told Socceroos.com.au as he reflected on that prank five years ago. “At that point, I was talking with a lawyer and we say, it wouldn’t be possible because of the FIFA rules.
“It was a little bit finishing one joke but look, football is like this. This is why I love it. It’s a massive opportunity and I’m ready to take it.’
“I have a great feeling. I’m so happy at the same time it’s crazy because at my age 34, all my career I try to do my best. This massive opportunity comes now,” he said.
“I’m trying to enjoy the moment and be ready to give my best.”
The selection shock comes after FIFA made subtle but far-ranging changes to the rules governing player eligibility for a country other than the one they obviously could represent in 2020.
Among various sub-clauses, the new rules permit a player who played for his home country but not at senior level, who was under 21 at the time and has since lived in a new country for five years or more to apply for the right to represent his new place of residence.
Fornaroli, aged 17, represented Uruguay at the 2003 South American U17 Championships, which until the changes in the rules meant he was tied to Uruguay forever.
Now, Fornaroli’s heart beats for the Socceroos as they try to book their spot at this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
“Couple of days ago we started to talk and speed up the process on my citizenship,” Fornaroli said, having scored seven goals in 14 Isuzu UTE A-League appearances this season. “I tried not to lose my focus at my club, obviously to show I can be selected. For me, that was my first thing, do my best at my club to give a reason to be selected.
“I tried not to be too excited until the coach calls me and says look you will be in the squad. In that point, wow. Now it’s reality, I have to do everything. I live in a dream. All my career I wait for a moment like this and for sure, it will be the biggest moment in a career.”
Fornaroli added: “Australia is home. The last seven years when we just come with my wife and little daughter, straight away people help us to feel comfortable. We’re very grateful with this country. We love it. My son was born here and he is a real Aussie.
“I have many, many reasons to fight for this country. It’s so important for me. I will put my heart on the field to help the team, even if I don’t play or play. I’ll try to do what I have to do, inside or outside the field.”
Australia sit third in the World Cup qualifying standings, which is currently enough for a play-off berth behind Japan and Saudi Arabia as they prepare for the March 24 showdown in Sydney before travelling to Jeddah five days later.
The Socceroos, who will be without City forward Jamie Maclaren for the Saudi showdown on the road, must beat Japan to have any chance of securing automatic passage to Qatar 2022.
And Fornaroli is prepared to do whatever it takes to help send Australia to a fifth consecutive World Cup.
As a striker you always need to score and bring goals to the team. Whatever the team needs, I’ll do it,” he said.
“Doesn’t matter if I need to do another job, inside or outside, I’ll do it. Everything for the team. It’s not about me. It’s about putting Australia at the World Cup.
“Australia have very, very good players. We need to confirm this in the next two games and I hope we can be in the next World Cup.”
Fornaroli also highlighted the role of Socceroos legend and former City team-mate Tim Cahill.
“I have to mention Timmy Cahill. He was one of the guys who helped me to take my PR in Australia. I’m very grateful with him,” Fornaroli said.
“He is a legend of the national team. Being part of the national team now is amazing for me.”
