Melbourne City star Bruno Fornaroli says it’s time for the club to win its first A-League title

BRUNO Fornaroli is finally back fit and firing after a horror injury last season and the Latino magician is ready to lead Melbourne City to its first A-League title, declaring the time is now for the club to rise to the championship.

Bruno Fornaroli says the time is now for City to win its first A-League title. Picture: Getty

MELBOURNE City talisman Bruno Fornaroli has declared time on the club’s long wait for an A-League trophy, revealing his body is finally ready to carry the title burden.

The Latino magician will spearhead a City side that’s again manufactured significant turnover, but appears to boast the most depth in the club’s short history.

Fornaroli, 31, admitted to virtually playing on one leg last season after his horror leg break, but was fit and ready for the 2018-19 campaign.

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Still smarting from blowing their best chance at qualifying for a maiden grand final — surrendering a semi-final lead against Newcastle Jets — Fornaroli said City must take the next step.

“We have to win. First we try to win the league and after the finals, but first one is try to win the league,’’ Fornaroli told the Herald Sun.

“We are still trying to find a way to win the league.”

Fornaroli has been part of some dangerous attacking combinations and remains the one constant amid the annual turnover.

Bruno Fornaroli says the time is now for City to win its first A-League title.

Harry Novillo, Aaron Mooy, Nicolas Colazo, Fernando Brandan, Tim Cahill, Ross McCormack and Daniel Arzani have all come and gone while the Uruguayan has entertained his way to 47 A-League goals in three action-packed seasons.

Fornaroli admitted losing teenage sensation Arzani was a huge blow, sensing something special was on the horizon, but revealed there were a batch of eager youngsters awaiting their chance.

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“One hundred per cent he (Arzani) is a big loss because he did very well and when he started to show and got big confidence, he (left). If we kept him a little bit longer, he would show more in this league and it’s good for everyone,’’ he said.

“I (couldn’t) enjoy much inside the pitch with him because I come back in the last games. I was hoping to play a little bit more with him, but this is football, you never know. Daniel played a few games and did very well and he’s already in Europe.

Fornaroli returned at the end of last season but played through pain. Picture: Michael Klein

“Now we have to forget him, and wish all the best for him because he’s a great player and I hope to see him have a great career and do well for Australia in the future.

“But now we have to think about us (current) players and I think we’ve signed very well.

“It’s a great (squad), some of the young boys I can see they’re hungry and this is great for the team. They want to show they want to play. They’re hungry to run and give something more.

“A lot of new signings and I think we have a good squad.”

Fornaroli missed 166 days after receiving a horror tackle in the FFA Cup and returned on the eve of the finals. He still conjured five goals in 10 games despite his injury struggles.

“I’m good, better now that we are close to starting. I can’t wait,’’ Fornaroli said.

“Very difficult for me (last season). I pushed myself a lot, I tried to come back before and the pain don’t let me play.

“But when I come back still pain and every game, every training, I felt that. Now I feel more free and this makes me happy and free, so I can’t wait.

Fornaroli has had a big pre-season and is fit and ready to lead City. Picture: Michael Klein

“For me it was a very important pre-season because it’s long and boring and have to wait a long time to restart the league. But for me this year was a bit different because I had to build up fitness after the injury and reset and try to do everything again and get 100 per cent fit for the league. So it’s not a bad time for me.”

MELBOURNE CITY — WATCH OUT FOR

Riley McGree. midfielder, 19

Five months ago he killed City’s grand final hopes with his scintillating scorpion goal for Newcastle Jets, a strike that justly earned him universal acclaim. The shrewd off-season acquisition on loan from Belgium’s Club Brugge is vital for City, as McGree offers it penetration and a goalscoring threat via his cultured left foot. A strong start to the season would leave him in Socceroos contention for January’s Asian Cup.