The next chapter of Osama Malik’s career has begun as he joined the Reds’ squad for the first time this morning following his early release from the North Queensland Fury.
Excited to be back in his hometown with the chance to be involved in the Reds- run towards the business end of the season, Malik expressed gratitude to both his former club and his new employers for the position he has found himself in.
The local Adelaide born talent was released to the Reds with the best wishes from the Fury, who are out of the race for a top six finish, Malik stating the gesture was befitting of the character and culture of the Townsville based club.
“It-s very good to be home. The family is happy and I-m happy to be back so it-s really good,” Malik said on being back in Adelaide.
“The Fury have always been very good to their players and obviously to come here and possibly play finals is a great opportunity for me, and the Fury wouldn-t step in anyone-s way which is great, so I-m very grateful that they gave me the opportunity.”
Having scored a contract with Adelaide United-s Youth Team for the 2008/09 National Youth League Season, Malik-s promising future was first recognised when he was named in Adelaide United-s squad for the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan and came off the bench in the Reds- final two games of the tournament.
From there he decided to make the move north with the Fury, where he made 23 appearances and became a first team regular for the club. However, with the Reds offering Malik the chance to return home on a two year deal, it was an opportunity he could not refuse.
“Obviously I was at Adelaide United before and I learnt a lot when I was playing here, but I got a bit of a break up in Townsville which was good for me.”
“At the end of the day we-ve got a career to secure and that-s what some of us have had to do, and when the opportunity to come here came my way, I couldn-t really knock it back because it was such a great opportunity.”
Malik is back into full training having missed the past month with a hamstring injury, and while he will not be considered for the match against his former side at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night, he cannot wait to continue developing his game as part of the Reds- squad.
“Obviously there-s still a core group of players here (in Adelaide) from the last time I was here, but you can see the players they-ve brought in like Flores and van Dijk, they-re great players and players you can learn a lot from,” Malik said.
“Now I-m a bit more confident in myself and I-m hoping I can assist the team in some way.”
Malik will wear number 22 for the remainder of the season.
