Melbourne Heart has secured its second recruiting coup in the space of three days, signing 2010 Joe Marston medallist Simon Colosimo.
Colosimo, who has had his best season in the Hyundai A-League playing as a defender with Sydney FC, returns home to the city of his birth to play for the first time since leaving South Melbourne to join Manchester City in 2001.
The 31-year-old will join former Sydney FC team-mates Clint Bolton and John Aloisi on a multi-year deal with the Hyundai A-League’s newest franchise.
Head Coach John van ‘t Schip said he is excited to have secured Colosimo’s services.
“Simon has wonderful technical ability and will provide fantastic composure in defence. He is capable of playing the ball out of defence and also provides excellent tackling and organisational ability,” he said.
“As a Socceroo, PFA President, title winner and local Melbourne boy, Simon also brings the necessary mentality which hopefully will spread throughout the squad. I have no doubt he wants to continue being a winner.”
Prior to joining the Heart, Colosimo will travel to Europe to train with Dutch champion AZ Alkmaar after his proposed move to K-League club Seoul FC fell through. Colosimo still hopes to make the Socceroos squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
“Melbourne Heart FC has worked very hard with Simon to make sure he has every opportunity to make the final World Cup squad, and I am extremely happy for him to spend time abroad if that is what is needed,” said van ‘t Schip.
“Making the World Cup squad would not only be a highlight of his career, but also allow the club to have a presence on the international stage.”
