New Melbourne Victory signing James Troisi says opting to return to Melbourne Victory was an “easy choice”, despite plenty of A-League interest.
The attacking-midfielder signed a one-year deal with Victory on Monday morning, linking up with the club where he spent a successful 2013-14 season on loan, scoring 12 goals in 29 games in all competitions that campaign.
Since then, the 28-year-old has endured a turbulent spell on the club front after departing Belgian side Zulte Waragem. Stints in Saudi Arabia (Al-Ittihad) and China (Liaoning Whowin) both ended on a sour note with a combined 11 appearances and zero goals.
After that rough patch, he says, the Socceroo was eager to return to the club where he last enjoyed his football, ignoring interest from a “handful” of A-League clubs.
“There was a lot of talk and discussion with a handful of A-League clubs, but for me, coming back to Victory was an easy choice. I’ve been here before, I really enjoyed it and it’s a fantastic club,” Troisi said.
“I think so (it was one of the best years of my career). The main reason is I was comfortable on and off the pitch, and when you enjoy yourself … you’ll play your best football.
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“When I look back on my career, I think this club and being here a couple of years back is the most I’ve enjoyed my football in a long time. In the last season or so, I haven’t enjoyed it at all.
“It (China) was difficult. Unfortunately I got injured a couple of weeks into the season, I had to come back to Australia, get myself looked after, went back and agreed to mutually terminate the contract.
“It didn’t work out. That’s part and parcel of football. It was a good experience nevertheless. I’m looking forward to changing the page in the next chapter.
“I moved to the Middle East as well and unfortunately that didn’t work out, so there’s been quite a long period where it hasn’t worked out the way I wanted it … I know I’m going to get looked after here.
“(Stability) is why I’m here.”
Having spent four years in Melbourne, Brazilian playmaker Gui Finkler opted to move on and sign for Wellington Phoenix, leaving a hole across Victory’s front four. Troisi confirmed coach Kevin Muscat intends to deploy him in the vacated position.
“That (number 10) is the spot he brought me here to do,” he added.
“That’s my preferred position so I think that’s where I’ll be playing and I’ll do what I can for the team.”
Troisi joins Mitch Austin and Alan Baro as offseason additions to Muscat’s squad.
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