Axed star Bruno Fornaroli has two options: earn a Melbourne City reprieve or seek an overseas sale

Bruno Fornaroli will not be released to a rival A-League club in January, meaning there’s only two options remaining for the axed Melbourne City star. And a teammate hopes his friend takes up one of those.

Bruno Fornaroli can’t believe he’s been axed. Pic: Getty Images

Bruno Fornaroli will not be released to another A-League club in January, meaning a Melbourne City reprieve or an overseas sale are his only options.

City coach Warren Joyce eased pressure on himself with Sunday’s 3-0 home win over Newcastle Jets, keeping his team inside the top six.

Fornaroli was missing from City’s team sheet for the second consecutive week, and Joyce did not give the club’s record goalscorer any assurances of a return to the squad after they had what was believed to have been a heated discussion last week.

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With trips to league leader Perth Glory and fourth-placed Adelaide United before the pre-Christmas derby against second-placed Melbourne Victory, Joyce faces some tough weeks.

Midfielder Luke Brattan, who himself was axed earlier this season, felt for Fornaroli but understood the decision and hoped to see his mate back in the side.

Bruno Fornaroli watches on from the stands.

Warren Joyce chats with Newcastle Jets coach Ernie Merrick. Pic: AAP

“He (Fornaroli) is one of my best mates,” Brattan said.

“Warren’s an honest guy and if you earn his trust he plays you, he’s proven that in the past.

“He has been one of Melbourne City’s best, if not the A-League’s best foreigners and his goalscoring record is unbelievable and he’s a great guy and the fans love him. Of course (axing him) is going to make some noise.

“It’s about reacting. If you react positively and work hard in training there’s always a way back in.”

Fornaroli’s A-League contract expires at the end of the season and he is certain to attract interest from A-League rivals.

Lachy Wales, who played in a makeshift striker’s role, scored his first City goal on Sunday.

Originally published as Axed star Bruno Fornaroli has two options: earn a Melbourne City reprieve or seek an overseas sale