Former Socceroos midfielder Carl Valeri will lead Melbourne Victory in their title defence the club announced today.
Valeri, who joined Melbourne Victory in June last year ahead of the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season, is just the fourth player to wear the captain’s armband in the club’s 11-year history.
In his debut season for Melbourne Victory, Valeri played all 29 games and was named Players’ Player of the Year, as voted by his teammates.
In making the announcement Club Chairman Anthony Di Pietro said Valeri possessed all the hallmarks of an outstanding captain, having already displayed elite leadership qualities in his short time with the club.
“I’m delighted to be able to announce Carl as our new captain and I have complete confidence that he will lead the team by example both on and off the pitch,” Di Pietro said.
“We have had so many quality leaders in our club over the years and Carl falls into that category without doubt and I look forward to working with him as captain throughout the season.”
Valeri, 31, said the honour of captaining Melbourne Victory is a role he is excited about embracing.
“Melbourne Victory is a great club and has had great leaders and I look forward to leading this great team in our quest to defend the title this season,” Valeri said.
“It’s a great privilege to be named captain and I thank Kevin Muscat and the Board for considering me worthy of such an esteemed role within our football club.”
Valeri joins current head coach Kevin Muscat, Adrian Leijer and Mark Milligan as captains of the club.
Club stalwart Leigh Broxham has been named as Valeri’s deputy.
