Melbourne Victory a fine fit for James Troisi, but he reveals Adelaide United, Melbourne City and Sydney FC all showed interest

JAMES Troisi revealed he was an Adelaide United target during a peculiar off-season which hit its peak when fake news had “signed” him to Maccabi Haifa.

Melbourne Victory’s James Troisi during his club’s 5-1 belting over Brisbane Roar during the round-of-32 FFA Cup at Perry Park this month. (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt).

JAMES Troisi has revealed he was an Adelaide United target during a peculiar off-season which had him “signed” to Israel’s Maccabi Haifa and has scoffed at claims he’s only in it for the money.

The South Australian was caught in the middle of credible news outlets incorrectly reporting Troisi had penned a deal with the Israeli club in July before he later agreed to re-join Melbourne Victory after his one-year deal lapsed last May.

קשר נבחרת אוסטרליה, טרויסי, נחת בישראל להתרשמות.
◀️◀️https://t.co/DCesY1qqxh pic.twitter.com/Wf7r2EVbqc

— Maccabi Haifa FC (@mhfootballclub) July 16, 2017

Troisi, 29, is expected to line up for Victory in an FFA Cup clash against Adelaide United at Marden on Wednesday. The pitch was once a stage for his junior development where he played for Adelaide City, MetroStars and Birkalla against Adelaide Blue Eagles.

“At that point in time things with Victory looked to be at a standstill,’’ Troisi said.

“There were a number of clubs in the A-League not just Victory and Melbourne City showing interest.

“Sydney FC was interested.

“Adelaide United, there was some interest there.

“I was basically on holidays during that time.

“Maccabi Haifa had shown interest, the coach (Guy Luzon) was at Standard Liege when I played in Belgium, he knew me.

“I went there to see what the place is about, I landed at the airport, met the guy (official) from the club, shook his hand and he said ‘can you hold this (scarf)?’” and he took a picture.

“I thought the photo was just going to be sent to the owner and the coach to say ‘he’s here’.”

“But five minutes later social media blew up, that’s the truth behind it.

“I wanted to see the place and it wasn’t for me.

“Everyone talks about money, money, money.

James Troisi in action for the Socceroos against Brazil at the MCG in June. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images for ICC

“First of all I wouldn’t be playing in the A-League if it was just for money and secondly the Israeli offer was a multimillion-dollar deal which I turned down especially this season with the World Cup coming up.”

But Troisi said Victory was always his preferred option after winning a FIFA man-of-the match performance for the Socceroos in a 1-1 draw with Chile at the Confederations Cup in Russia in June.

Victory is also giving the highest-ranked Australian (fourth) in the Johnny Warren medal stakes this year a best possible chance of representing the Socceroos for a consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance after making his tournament debut in Brazil in 2014.

“It’s (signing for Victory) what I wanted to happen but unfortunately it took a little bit longer than I expected,’’ he said.

“At one point I thought it wasn’t going to happen but for me it’s a great fit here.

“The main thing is, I have been playing regularly and then physically I get looked after here.

“I’m monitored, we’re training extremely hard and I’m getting looked after by the physios.

“We’re working the right way and then I can play my best football which I am doing and I’m working to get to the World Cup.

“I didn't want to take any risks and go to a place where I wasn’t going to be sure and that could have been another A-League team as well.”

Follow @ValMigliaccio