Melbourne Victory FC has confirmed the acquisition of Socceroos midfielder Carl Valeri ahead of the 2014-15 Hyundai A-League season on a three year deal.
With 50 international caps to his name, including appearances in all of Australia’s 2010 FIFA World Cup matches, the 29-year-old signs for Victory after an 11 year stint in Italy.
Returning to Australia with the intent on contributing to football in the twilight years of his career, the holding midfielder saw Melbourne as an ideal fit for his Victorian born wife and young family.
“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 training to get underway.”
As a teenager, Valeri began his career with Italian heavy weights Inter Milan before moving to Serie B side Sassuolo in search of first team action.
Valeri failed to feature with Sassuolo after gaining promotion ahead of the 2013-14 season as he recovered from a serious ankle injury, and switched to second tier Ternana in the January transfer window.
Upon the midfielder completing a medical on Tuesday morning, Victory coach Kevin Muscat said he was elated to have such quality join 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’s transfer however circulates questions over the future of Captain Mark Milligan with the pair plying their trade in identical positions.
Milligan’s signature has been highly sort over in recent seasons with Victory rejecting offers from the Middle East and English Premier League side Crystal Palace.