Adelaide United has announced the signing of versatile left-sided player Ben Garuccio from fellow A-League side Melbourne City on a two-year deal.
Garuccio becomes the latest of young South Australians to move back to the city of churhes, after Stefan Mauk and recently Marc Marino and Ryan Kitto.
Speculation had indicated Garuccio was set to return to his hometown of Adelaide after more than five years away, following his time with the Australian Institute of Sport and City.
Capable of being deployed as a left-back or left forward, the 21-year-old’s contract will expire at the end of the 2017-18 season.
After putting pen to paper, Garuccio admitted he is “excited” to be coming home and playing for the Reds.
“To be back in Adelaide and to be playing for the team that I supported when I was a little kid is very exciting for me,” Garuccio said.
“With football you never really know where you’re going to end up and it’s not as if you can really pick and choose where you’ll play. But to have signed with United is a great feeling.
“The team had an incredible season last season and had some really tough matches against Melbourne City so I know how much talent is in the squad.”
Garuccio said he is looking forward to playing in front of a packed Coopers Stadium, stating the atmosphere generated from the venue can be intimidating.
“If you ask any player in the A-League, playing at a full Coopers Stadium is one of the hardest grounds to visit,” Garuccio continued.
“So to come back and play my football here is something I’m really looking forward to because I’ll also get to play in front of my friends and family too.”
Adelaide’s General Manager of Football Ante Kovacevic expressed his delight in securing the player’s services for the next two years.
“Ben [Garuccio] has been identified as one of the brightest young talents in the A-League and the potential he has is fantastic,” Kovacevic said.
“Having signed a player that is versatile on the left flank, Ben is a great addition to our squad and he has the opportunity to fill the void left by the departed Craig Goodwin. ”
Garuccio accumulated 44 A-League appearances for City, netting once in the process.
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