Riley McGree believes his two years away from his hometown Club has only helped him mature as a player in his return to Adelaide United.
McGree was handed his Reds debut in March 2016 and later enjoyed a breakout 2016/17 campaign which culminated in a move to Belgium giants Club Brugge.
Subsequent loan spells at Newcastle Jets and Melbourne City followed before being acquired by Adelaide on a three-year deal.
Still only 20, McGree said he has plenty of room to grow and further develop as a footballer.
“I think the experiences that I’ve had in the last few years have taught me a lot of things both on and off the field,” McGree said at United’s 2019/20 Season Launch on Friday night.
“And I’m still young and still have a lot to learn and can’t wait to put it out there this season.”
McGree also spoke about the Club bringing several former Reds stars back, which has only created a greater family atmosphere.
Bruce Djité was appointed Director of Football, while Eugene Galeković and Carl Veart form part of Gertjan Verbeek’s coaching staff.
“It’s always been a family club and at the moment it’s more of a family than it has been,” he admitted.
“As you said the club has brought back past players and coaches and you can find of feel that both on and off the field around the club.”
As seen in the FFA Cup 2019 campaign, McGree has been given the prestigious number 8 jersey, previously worn by legend, Isaías.
The attacking midfielder said he his aiming to follow in the Spaniard’s footsteps.
“(Definitely) big shoes to fill and I’m kind of still developing as a young man and as a leader,” he stated.
“So I’m trying to bring as much as I can to the younger boys in the team.”
Adelaide United face Central Coast Mariners in the Semi-finals of the FFA Cup 2019 on Wednesday, 2 October at Central Coast Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACST. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports.
