Melbourne Victory have announced the signing of talented Socceroo Carl Valeri on a three-year deal.
Melbourne Victory have announce the signing of talented Socceroo Carl Valeri on a three-year deal, that will see him remain at the club until at least the end of the 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season.
Valeri, who plays as a central midfielder, returns to Australia after playing extensively in Italy, both in Serie A and Serie B.
The 29-year-old has represented Australia at every age level, from Under-17s, through to Socceroos, where he has made an impressive 50 appearances since debuting in 2007, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where he played in each of Australia-s three group matches. He also featured in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup campaign in which Australia lost the final to Japan.
Coach Kevin Muscat said he was delighted to be adding a player of Valeri-s quality to his squad.
“Carl has a wealth of football experience and will be a very valuable addition to our club and we can-t wait to see him in Victory colours,” Muscat said.
“He-s played at the highest level in Italy, one of the best leagues in the world, as well as impressing on the biggest stage at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
“Carl is a versatile midfielder and I have no doubt he will have an impact on the A-League and we are very much looking forward to his leadership around the club also.”
Valeri said he was over the moon to be returning to Australia to be part of Melbourne-s 2014/15 Championship tilt.
“I-ve certainly watched and admired the A-League from afar,” Valeri said.
“The league just keeps getting better and better each season and I-m really looking forward to being back home and playing in a competition that has such great potential.
“You just to have to look at all the quality young players over in Brazil with the Socceroos to see how far the game has come in this country. A lot of those boys started their professional careers in the A-League, and that speaks volumes.
“The opportunity to join Melbourne Victory and work with Kevin (Muscat) was one I certainly couldn-t pass up and I can-t wait for pre-season training to get underway.”
Valeri will begin training with his new Victory teammates when the squad returns for pre-season.
CARL VALERI
Born: August 14, 1984 (29-year-old)
Place of birth: Canberra
Socceroos: 50 appearances, 1 goal
Previous Clubs:
2014: Ternana Calcio (Serie B)
2010 – 2014: Sassuolo Calcio (Serie A/B)
2005 – 2010: Grosseto F.C. (Serie B)
2004 – 2005: Società Polisportiva Ars et Labor (SPAL) (on loan from Internazionale)
