After spending 11 months in the A-League wilderness, Perth Glory recruit Bruno Fornaroli is understandably eager to get back on the field this weekend.
The Uruguayan hasn't been sighted in the A-League since he was frozen out by Melbourne City in November last year. Denied a move to another A-League club in the middle of the season, Fornaroli has been a frustrated spectator ever since despite signing with the Glory in March.
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"One of my worst years in my career in terms of the way I leave Melbourne City," he told AAP. "I'm very grateful to the club and everyone knows this so it's tough to leave like this also when I think I do very well for them and I fight a lot for that club. In that way it's not good for anyone.
"Now it's finished, now I'm looking forward. That's why now I can't wait to start ... I think we have a great team to fight for the title this year."
Fornaroli's move west is a massive coup for Tony Popovic's team. The 32-year-old won the 2015-16 Golden Boot and has 46 goals in 70 A-League appearances. As Glory aim to go one better following their grand final defeat last season, a fired-up Fornaroli says he couldn't be happier with his new club.
"I spoke with some players like Diego [Castro] before going; Popovic gave me big confidence to go with Glory and follow them," Fornaroli said.
"Now I'm ready to play and give back to them the confidence they've given to me."