Fresh off the official announcement of his signing, new Melbourne City recruit Liam Bonetig has shared his excitement and motivation for returning home and beginning a new chapter with the reigning A-League Men’s Champions.
The towering 20-year-old defender has penned a three-year deal following a two-season stint with Celtic, where he featured regularly for the club’s B Team and gained invaluable experience in both the UEFA Youth League and Scotland’s Lowland League.
Now back on Australian soil, Bonetig says the decision to join City was a clear one, not only for the opportunity to be part of a winning club, but also for the chance to take the next step in his development.
Originally from Shellharbour in New South Wales, Bonetig made the move to Europe in 2023 and immersed himself in a professional football environment few young Australians get to experience.
“I wouldn’t change the experience I’ve had for anything,” he reflected. “Playing the UEFA Youth League, the Champions League for kids, against some of the best Dutch academies, Atlético Madrid… it was a massive wake-up call. But yeah, a great experience. I’ve definitely grown as a player through my time in Glasgow.”
“It’s always good for change… there’s no better side to come to than the one that just won the Grand Final. You’re not turning that down.”
Despite only arriving in Melbourne a couple of days ago, there will be a few familiar faces in the dressing room to greet the young defender once pre-season commences.
“Of course, [Alessandro] Lopane, being with him at the Wanderers since we were like 11, in the 13s he was a little bit older than me… [Max] Caputo I’ve met in the national team, great guy, and also Zane [Schreiber] as well playing with him when we were 10, 11, 12… I’m buzzing to be playing with them again,” he said.
“You’ve got to have second, third, fourth opinions. From the outside it looks like a good club, but getting that view from inside, they couldn’t speak more highly about how it’s run.”
City’s reputation for developing young talent was a significant drawcard too.
“It was a massive, massive part,” he said. “The coach obviously trusts young players and gives them opportunities. There are a few boys going overseas now, especially around my age and that was a big reason why I chose to come here.”
Bonetig arrives at the Club with a huge season ahead that includes the upcoming Australia Cup, the 2025/26 A-Leagues season and the opportunity to compete on the continental stage in the AFC Champions League Elite – a competition he’s particularly excited about.
“It’s probably the highest kind of competition an Australian team can play in,” he explained. “To get that exposure, to travel overseas… it’s always a good experience.”
