Melbourne City FC can confirm the departure of Marco Tilio, with the talented young attacker set to join Scottish Premiership club, Celtic FC.
The move for the City and Socceroos player has set a new Australian transfer record only weeks after former City player Jordan Bos’ departure to Belgian side KVC Westerlo had rewritten the record.
Tilio, who had joined City ahead of the 2020/21 season, quickly became a fan favourite. His speed, natural attacking instincts and technical ability allowed him to stand out amongst a very talented group of young Australian players at the Club.
He scored 20 goals in 86 appearances during his time in Melbourne, along the way to winning one Championship and helping City secure a record breaking three consecutive Premierships.
His rapid development at City was further recognised with a call-up to the Olyroos squad for the Tokyo Olympics, before receiving a maiden Socceroos cap and a spot in Australia’s World Cup squad just months later.
Melbourne City FC Director of Football, Michael Petrillo said:
“Since joining Melbourne City, Marco’s progression has been impressive. He arrived as a player with enormous potential, and whilst at City, he has taken great strides in developing the physical and tactical areas of his game.
“With great character and hard work, Marco has kept improving, and has developed his game to a high level which has culminated in his Socceroo debut. I’m so proud that all the objectives we set with him he has achieved, and we will continue to follow his progress with great interest.
“Marco is a great young man and incredible talent for Australia and although we will miss him, both on and off the pitch, it’s a special feeling to be able to help a player of his ability and ambition to play for one of the biggest clubs in world football.”
Melbourne City FC CEO, Brad Rowse said:
“Marco’s record-breaking transfer is a testament to the team we have here in Melbourne and shows there is no better place for Australia’s young players to continue their development and realise their dreams.
“Marco joins an exciting list of players who have come through the ranks at City and are now playing in some of Europe’s top leagues. It’s exciting for the player and for our fans, who will hopefully get to see one of our own playing regularly in the Scottish Premiership and the Champions League next season.”
Marco Tilio said:
“It is with mixed emotions that I leave City, I know that I will miss everyone at the club, and I thank everyone who both trusted me, helped me to grow and develop into who I am as a player and a person.
“I would especially like to thank Brad, Michael, Patrick and Rado for their support and guidance and all my teammates at the club. I want to thank the fans for their support and making me feel at home from my first day at the club.
“I’m really excited about my new challenge at Celtic, and I hope I can make everyone back home proud of me.”
