New Canberra United goalkeeper Melissa Maizels says the chance to repay the club who gave her a shot in the Westfield W-League was a key reason in her move back to the nation’s capital.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that the 25-year-old shot-stopper was returning to United after spending the last two seasons at Perth Glory.
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Maizels only made a handful of appearances for the club in his first stint in Canberra, stuck behind current Westfield Matildas no.1 Lydia Williams.
But she is excited about returning to United for the 2018/19 Season and is looking forward to playing in front of the club’s passionate fans again.
“I feel like Canberra was where my professional football career really did start,” Maizels said.
“I’m very grateful to the club and the fans for giving me my first opportunity and I can’t wait to come home this season.
“The fans are what I miss most about Canberra, so I’m looking forward to showing them everything I’ve learnt and the player I’ve become since they showed belief in me back then.
“I’m looking forward to giving back to the club and the fans.”
United coach Heather Garriock was full of praise for Maizels and believes she’ll have a point to prove for the club in the new season.
“To have Melissa returning to Canberra is great for the team and the club as a whole,” Garriock said.
“When she was here last time she obviously was behind Lydia, but now I am very excited to have her ready to for this season.
“She has aspirations to play for the Matildas and that’s what I love in a player, someone who sets themselves challenges and a long-term goal.”