Adelaide United Director of Football Bruce Djite says the timing of James Troisi’s departure from the club is what hurts the most, as the Reds scramble to replace the star midfielder less than two weeks out from the A-League’s resumption.
Troisi terminated his contract with the Reds on December 14 to join Western Sydney Wanderers after just one season at his hometown club, where he made 13 appearances throughout the 2019/20 campaign.
Djite’s comments – released in a five-line statement at the time of the announcement – gave insight into the difficulties Troisi’s departure had created for the club.
“It’s very disappointing to have James come to us and request a termination of his contract so close to the commencement of the season,” he said.
“It is vitally important that we have players at Adelaide United who want to be a part of the club.”
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The next day, however, Djite faced the media to further discuss the move.
The former Reds striker says having a South Australian product of his calibre depart enhanced the disappointment felt at the club, but work was already underway to find Troisi’s replacement.
” I think what hurts us the most is the timing of it, ten days out, two weeks out from the commencement of the A-League season,” Djite said.
“I love a challenge, but it certainly does make my job very difficult in terms of replacing the player but it’s something that we’re working furiously to do at the moment.”
“It’s disappointment, but it’s football also,” he continued.
“In football these things happen, and I’m not going to stand here and say we’re completely shocked, because it’s sort of part and parcel of the game.
“The most disappointing thing for us really is that we’ve put a real emphasis on bringing South Australians back and building a team around South Australians.
And to have one of your own leave, cuts that little bit deeper.”
A-League clubs circle as Amini comes home
Socceroos midfielder Mustafa Amini departed the A-League in 2012 to chase his European dream.
A move to German giants Borussia Dortmund preceded a five-season stint in Denmark spent between Randers FC and AGF Aarhus, but almost nine years after his departure from Australian shores Amini has called time on his European venture – for the time being – taking to Instagram to reveal his imminent return.
“After 9 beautiful years, I’m saying goodbye to Europe,” Amini wrote.
“I didn’t think this day would come so soon, but nothing in life can ever be planned.
“Thank you to all my team mates, staff members, coaches and especially the fans.
“Thanks for the memories, friendships and good times. Thank you Borussia Dortmund, Randers FC and AGF Aarhus – you’ll always be part of me.
“I’m heading back to Australia and we’ll see what the future holds.”
Amini returns home to where his professional career began, with a two-season spell at Central Coast Mariners between 2010-12.
Managed then by current Socceroos coach Graham Arnold the Mariners blooded a 17-year-old Amini in the A-League, the first of his steps toward becoming an established midfielder of European calibre and a mainstay in the national side.
The Western Sydney native will have his pick of suitors upon his return, and the coming days and weeks are sure to reveal which A-League club – if any – are able to secure the services of the talented Socceroos midfielder.
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Spanish duo emerge from quarantine to link up with Macarthur FC
Athletic Bilbao legends and Macarthur FC signings Markel Susaeta and Beñat Etxebarria have launched into pre-season training after completing their respective periods of quarantine ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
The midfield duo wasted no time getting onto the training track as they look to ensure their presence in Macarthur’s inaugural A-League squad does not go unnoticed.
Straight from quarantine ➡️ training! #MFCBulls #RunWithTheHerd pic.twitter.com/9hsnS7Kd7m
— Macarthur FC (@mfcbulls) December 15, 2020
Susaeta returns to Australia after playing nine times and scoring twice for Melbourne City in the 2019/20 season.
His former Bilbao teammate Beñat, however, is preparing for his first season of professional football outside of his native Spain – a daunting task for any player, but the 33-year-old will find comfort alongside fellow countryman Susaeta and a squad of teammates who will all experience A-League football at Macarthur FC for the very first time this season.
