After more than a decade abroad, Awer Mabil is back home – but don’t mistake his return to Australia for a chance to put his feet up.
Our newest Socceroo arrives at Melbourne City following a decorated career overseas that has taken him across Europe, achieving many of the goals he set himself when he first left Australia as a youngster.
Now, at 30 and still feeling at the peak of his powers, Mabil believes the time is right for a new challenge, and an opportunity to make an impact both on and off the pitch back home.
“At this point in my career, I think it’s the perfect time to come back. When I went over to Europe I had dreams that I wanted to achieve, and now with hard work, I’ve been able to do that,” Mabil told reporters from AAMI Park on Wednesday.
“I’ve thought about the future and what I can do for the game in Australia, and I think I’m the perfect age to be able to make an impact, so I thought it was the right time to move back.”
Why City?
Once the decision to return home had been made, Mabil’s next question was where he could best continue pursuing the ambitions that have driven him throughout his career.
For him, City quickly emerged as the answer.
“I can see the project that the City Football Group has and everything that has been set up around the Club.
“Obviously I have a few teammates from the Socceroos as well, so they’ve told me great things about the Club and City’s ambition, and my ambition really just perfectly aligns, so I’m really looking forward to it and excited for what’s ahead.
“I wanted to look for where the best place to win stuff was, and I think I’ve made the right choice in this moment of my career. I’m looking forward to playing for this Club and giving my very best for the fans.”
And it turns out a couple of familiar faces may have helped the recruitment pitch.
Mabil revealed he spoke with City captain Aziz Behich and Mathew Leckie before making the move, with his Socceroos teammates offering a glowing assessment of life in City blue.
“Obviously I spoke with Aziz and Lecks, and they sold the Club very well, so shoutout to them,” he laughed.
“I have a great relationship with them, and I wanted to come home to leave a legacy and do my best while I’m still at the peak of my powers.”
Coming home with a purpose
While family and football were both central to Mabil’s decision, his reasons for returning extend well beyond the pitch.
Having spent 12 years away from home, he wants to use the experience gathered throughout his career to help the next generation, particularly young players from Australia’s South Sudanese community.
“One of the reasons I wanted to come back was to pass on my experience to the younger players,” Mabil said.
“For my community also, it’s important that I come back because it’s easy to go for money, but for me the most important thing is leaving a legacy and a blueprint for the young ones to follow.
“Now I’ll be playing here in Australia. In every state there will hopefully be a lot of South Sudanese kids in every stadium, and that’s what I’m excited about.
“For the whole country in general, I want to play at home and inspire the next generation.”
Mabil also hopes his return can play a small part in helping grow the domestic game.
“I’ve said it before but Australia is the best country [in the world], and we have to grow our league. If anybody can play their role, they have to do that, and at this stage of my career I feel like I can help.
“I don’t see why our league can’t grow. Players in Europe always ask me about Australia, and it’s just about boosting the league because everyone wants to live in Australia, that’s for sure.”
Plenty still to achieve
Most importantly for City fans, Mabil is clear that returning home doesn’t mean winding down.
Quite the opposite.
“I’m happy because when I went over to Europe, I had goals that I wanted to achieve and I’ve achieved all of that,” he said.
“For me coming back home is not to relax, it’s because I have new goals I want to achieve.
“I want to come here, do my very best and help the Club win trophies. I want to do whatever I can to inspire the next generation.
“I wanted to be close to my family and friends and I feel like I sacrificed 12 years, so I want to give back and now they can watch me play every week.”
As for what City supporters can expect once our new number 11 takes to the pitch?
Mabil kept that answer simple.
“My job is to win games, score goals and make assists. I’m just going to do my best, that’s my job and I want to help win in any way possible.”
