Melbourne Heart FC has continued its preparations for the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season by completing the signing of former Qantas Young Socceroo Michael Marrone.
Melbourne Heart FC has continued its preparations for the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season by completing the signing of former Qantas Young Socceroo Michael Marrone.
Signing a multi-year deal, Marrone is the 14th player to join the Heart and is set to arrive in Melbourne for the commencement of pre-season training in June.
A former Australian Institute of Sport graduate, Marrone made 16 Hyundai A-League appearances last season, which marked his first full campaign at a professional level, rapidly becoming an indispensible member of the Adelaide United side despite his relative youth.
Marrone-s form impressed Qantas Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek, who drafted the Brisbane-born player into the national team training squad for the recent international against Indonesia.
A versatile full back capable of pushing into the midfield, Head Coach John van ‘t Schip believes Marrone will provide an added, unique dimension to the Heart-s inaugural squad.
“Michael impressed me greatly throughout last season with his composure on the ball and his ability to really have an influence on the match. He is very mobile but also very technical,” he said.
“He has gained experience playing against some of the best teams in Asia, and even made his professional debut at the FIFA Club World Cup in 2008, which is quite an achievement.
“With a player such as Michael on board, I am confident Melbourne Heart FC has built a core of youth which will ensure the Club can have a prosperous future.”
The 23-year-old-s value to Adelaide has been reflected in his prominent role in the Club-s AFC Champions League campaign, with Marrone starting in all six group matches as the Reds- finished top of its section, helping the side book a place in the second round of the prestigious tournament.
With the countdown to the club-s competition debut well underway, Melbourne Heart FC invites you to register for priority access and become a member at the Hyundai A-League-s newest football club.
Click here for a registration form.
