Melbourne City FC can confirm it has signed Michael Zullo ahead of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season as John van’t Schip strengthens his squad for the forthcoming campaign.
Zullo, 26, joins Melbourne City FC on a one-year deal, marking a return to the Hyundai A-League after a spell in the Dutch Eredivise with FC Utrecht.
Zullo underwent his medical at the City Football Academy, Melbourne, on Tuesday and is expected to travel with van’t Schip’s squad ahead of this Saturday night’s clash with Manchester City FC at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.
Born in Brisbane, Zullo first emerged through the state league ranks in Queensland with Brisbane City and Brisbane Strikers, before making his mark in Australia’s domestic competition with Brisbane Roar.
The left-sided utility made 53 appearances for the Roar prior to his move to Dutch outfit Utrecht in 2010, and returned to Australia for a loan spell with Adelaide United during the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 season.
Zullo’s rise to prominence earned him recognition at the international level, making 10 appearances for the Socceroos since his full debut against Indonesia in the group stage of qualifying for the 2011 Asian Cup.
John van’t Schip said Zullo would add experience and depth to his defence.
“We know Michael’s potential; he has spent time with a big club in Holland and with the Socceroos so we expect him to be an important member of the squad. He is motivated for all the right reasons,” van’t Schip said.
Zullo said his ambitions aligned perfectly with his new club.
“I think Melbourne City has the best setup in Australia right now and think the Club’s goals and my goals align pretty well,” Zullo said.
“For me the priorities are to be in a really professional environment and at a club with the ambition to win.”
Player Details
Michael Zullo
DOB: 11/09/1988
Place of birth: Brisbane, Australia
Position: Left-back, Left Winger
Clubs (Appearances, Goals): Brisbane Strikers (45,11), Brisbane Roar (53,2), FC Utrecht (34,0), Adelaide United [loan] (24,0)
