Signing news: Adama Traore returns to Victory

Former fan favourite Adama Traore has returned to Melbourne Victory.

The 29-year-old is back at the club where he made 52 appearances and was named club player of the season in 2013/14.

Traore has represented the Ivory Coast 12 times – the nation of the fullback’s birth – but is considered an Australian after gaining citizenship in 2013.

He has joined Marco Kurz’s side on a one-year deal and joins forwards Andrew Nabbout and Robbie Kruse as players who have been lured back to Melbourne after long-term stints playing overseas.

“I’m pleased to be back at Melbourne Victory and can’t wait to get started with the rest of the group,” Traore said.

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“I have very fond memories of my previous time at the club and am looking forward to playing in front of the best supporters in the league once again.

“Marco (Kurz) has spoken to me about the style he wants to play, which as an attacking full-back, is something that excites me.”

Following his Victory Medal-winning campaign of 2013/14, Traore joined Portuguese club Vitória de Guimarães before securing a move to FC Basel in the Swiss Super League.

With Basel, he won three Swiss championships in a row and represented the club on the UEFA Champions League stage in 2016/17.

More recently, he has been on the books of Turkish Super Lig side Göztepe, where he made 27 appearances.

“When the opportunity presented itself to bring Adama Traore back to Melbourne, we absolutely wanted to make that happen,” said Victory boss Kurz.
 
“Adama is an experienced player that has proven himself in Europe and at Melbourne Victory previously, and he will add a lot of quality to our backline.
 
“We look forward to welcoming him back and finalising the rest of our squad for the season soon.”
 
Traore arrived in Melbourne on Thursday and will commence training immediately.

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