Fornaroli returns to scene of his darkest chapter

Perth Glory striker Bruno Fornaroli labelled his final months at Melbourne City “the worst in my career”.

Perth Glory’s Bruno Fornaroli battles against Victory’s Anthony Lesiotis last Friday

Perth Glory striker Bruno Fornaroli labelled his final months at Melbourne City “the worst in my career” and regretted not being able to say goodbye to his beloved fans, ahead of Friday’s comeback game.

Melbourne City’s record goalscorer revealed that the fallout was solely with former coach Warren Joyce, as he was relegated to training with the youth team and watching from the stands for three months in one of the club’s darkest chapters.

Joyce never revealed the full story behind Fornaroli’s axing, except to say that he did not meet the standards that he had agreed to set in pre-season.

It is one year since Fornaroli was sensationally axed after scoring in the 2-0 win over Wellington, his last game for City.

“The worst moment in my career,” said Fornaroli, who scored 57 City goals in 83 games in all competitions.

“I had many, many difficult times in my career. Injuries, I had to leave clubs. But for me, I can say now it was the worst moment in my career.

“Yeah, it’s clear (the issue was with Joyce). I don’t want to lie. I’m relaxed with myself because I can sleep. I think I (did) everything for the club.

Bruno Fornaroli is happy in Perth

“After that I don’t take the decision. In that period someone take the decisions and it’s not me. And people working inside Melbourne City sometimes don’t take the decisions to, they come from other side of the world. This is hard.

“When you know the people don’t take the decisions they everyday close to you know what is the situation, it’s hard.

“Again. I’m very grateful with Michael Petrillo, (ex chief executive) Scott Munn and all the people who support me til the end. I wish Melbourne City all the best.”

Fornaroli admitted it will be an emotional return to the ground he delivered so many special goals and memories for City, headlined by captaining them to the 2016 FFA Cup.

“I don’t know (how I will feel), but for sure strange. I played the last four years there and a lot of good memories there at AAMI Park,” he said.

Former City coach Warren Joyce made life tough for Fornaroli

“I only hope I have a warm welcome (from) fans, (I will) say hello to everyone.

“The way I left, I can’t say bye inside the pitch. For a player the important thing when you leave one place, is to say goodbye to the fans and supporters. I didn’t get to do that.

“I have good memories there, I’m very grateful to the club and fans – they supported me to the end too.

“Most special was when I went to watch the games and I couldn’t play and the fans still supported me. This is the best for one player. I’m very grateful (to) them.

“But when the referee says start the game, I will fight for my team.

“What happened happened between me and the coach and it’s finished. I’m looking forward and I’m thinking about Perth Glory, I’m happy there and I want to give everything to win for them. I’m purple.”

Herald Sun