Melbourne Heart FC has confirmed the signing of Qantas Socceroo and 2010 Joe Marston medal winner Simon Colosimo.
Melbourne Heart FC has confirmed the signing of Qantas Socceroo and 2010 Joe Marston Medal winner Simon Colosimo.
Colosimo has signed a multi-year deal to return to his Melbourne home having concluded one of the best seasons in his stellar domestic career, securing the Hyundai A-League Premiership-Championship double alongside team-mates Clint Bolton and John Aloisi.
Colosimo confirmed his status as a player of the highest ilk in the Hyundai A-League 2010 Grand Final, coping with the pressure and tension of the occasion with consummate ease to produce a commanding display in defence before scoring the opening goal in the penalty shootout.
Head Coach John van ‘t Schip said he is excited to have secured Colosimo-s services.
“Simon has wonderful technical ability and will provide fantastic composure in defence. He is capable of playing the ball out of defence and also provides excellent tackling and organisational ability,” he said.
“As a Qantas Socceroo, PFA President, title winner and local Melbourne boy, Simon also brings the necessary mentality which hopefully will spread throughout the squad. I have no doubt he wants to continue being a winner.”
In the short term, Melbourne Heart FC is ensuring its latest signing is given every opportunity to force his way in to the Qantas Socceroos squad for the 2010 World Cup, arranging for Colosimo to train with Dutch Champion AZ Alkmaar, under the noses of the coaching staff.
“Melbourne Heart FC has worked very hard with Simon to make sure he has every opportunity to make the final World Cup squad, and I am extremely happy for him to spend time abroad if that is what is needed,” said van ‘t Schip.
“Making the World Cup squad would not only be a highlight of his career, but also allow the club to have a presence on the international stage.”
An elegant central defender, Colosimo has forged an enviable career, plying his trade in Turkey, Malaysia and England, where the 31-year-old completed a stint with Manchester City.
However, Colosimo has enjoyed his greatest success in Australia-s domestic leagues, winning his first Joe Marston Medal in the 2003 NSL Grand Final on route to claiming the national title with Perth Glory.
The Melbourne-born star started in all three games for the Olyroos at the 2000 Sydney Games, and is now the sixth Qantas Socceroo to join Melbourne Heart FC, joining fellow full internationals Bolton, Dean Heffernan, Matt Thompson, Kristian Sarkies and Aloisi.
With the countdown to the club-s competition debut well underway, Melbourne Heart FC invites you to register for priority access and become a member at the Hyundai A-League-s newest football club.
Click here for a registration form.
