New Adelaide United signing James Troisi says he is excited about the prospect of playing for his hometown team and believes Gertjan Verbeek’s attacking philosophy suits his style of football.
The 31-year-old put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract and said he was relishing the chance to play in front of his family and friends on a regular basis.
Troisi had spent the last 16 years away from Adelaide, playing for the likes of Serie A side Atalanta, Belgian First Division A outfit Zulte Waregem, and Kayserispor of the Turkish Süper Lig.
He most recently was at Hyundai A-League rivals, Melbourne Victory, for the past three seasons, registering 17 goals and as many assists in 91 games.
A little more info about our newest recruit. ⤵️
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— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 6, 2019
However, after more than a decade Troisi decided the time was right to move home.
“It’s fantastic, it’s been 16 years since I left,” Troisi told reporters at his official unveiling.
“The A-League hadn’t even started yet so for me to be back home in front of family and friends especially in this time and chapter in my life I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
Troisi, who has also scored five goals in 37 appearances for the Socceroos, said Verbeek’s attacking system was another factor which enticed him to join the Reds.
Troisi’s creativity and guile in possession will be a boost for the Dutchman with his arrival strengthening Adelaide’s depth in midfield.
“I think the Dutch philosophy or his philosophy is quite exciting in terms of the attacking style of football he wants to play,” he admitted.
“Obviously I’m an attacking player so that’s always a plus and it excites me and knowing Bruce and the way he does things and the way he wants the club to grow, Adelaide is close to him as well.
“He played here for many years and I know he likes the city and the state.
“And the way things are going and bringing the likes of myself back and a lot of South Australian boys is fantastic to see.”
ICYMI: @JamesTroisi has signed on on a two-year deal. #AUFC
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— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 5, 2019
Troisi said he was also looking to help mentor some of the young players in the squad and act as a sounding board given his experience.
The attacking midfielder was a part of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, 2015 Asian Cup and 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup campaigns with the Socceroos.
He also discussed how the move came about and that prior to Bruce Djite’s appointment as the Club’s Director of Football there had never previously been any negotiations.
“I think everyone knows that I’ve known Bruce for a long time now,” he said.
“So prior to Bruce there was never really any talks with Adelaide or an option for me to come home.
“I always got asked the question but there was never really that connection there.
“Obviously as soon as I found out Bruce got the job, first of all I called him to congratulate him, and we touched base a little bit and said this is my situation.
“Possibility of coming here and something happening, so it took a little bit longer than expected but in the end it all worked out pretty well.”
Adelaide face Sydney FC in the opening round of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season at Coopers Stadium on Friday.
.@BDjite hails the arrival of @JamesTroisi, stating his quality further improves the squad. #AUFC
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— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 8, 2019
Troisi was hopeful of featuring in some capacity but stressed that decision will be left up to the coaching and medical staff, and added that he feels great physically.
“I think I’ll be eased in,” he said, when quizzed if he is a chance to play on Friday.
“I’ve been training by myself and with some personal trainers for quite some time now so it’s going to take me a little bit of time to get match fitness.
“Obviously I was straight into things here, I’ve already had three sessions and ultimately that’s up to the coach and the medical staff.
“We don’t want to rush things but I want to get back on the pitch as soon as possible, but we have to do it in a smart way as well.”
Adelaide United host Sydney FC in Round 1 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Friday, 11 October at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
