Departing City young gun, Marco Tilio, paid tribute to the club, the staff and the fans ahead of his move to Scottish Premiership club, Celtic FC.
“I can’t thank the club and the people enough,” Tilio said. “They’ve [the fans] been there to support us week in and week out at AAMI Park and I think this year we showed what a fortress we had down in Melbourne.”
“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.”
Since joining City ahead of the 2020/21 season, Tilio quickly became one of the club’s and league’s most electrifying attackers.
He netted 20 goals in 86 appearances and played an important role in securing a Championship title and history-making three consecutive Premierships.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Tilio spoke about the many memories he made.
“As a player, the best times are lifting trophies and winning things,” Tilio explained. “At my time at Melbourne City, we were able to lift three consecutive Premiers Plates which is unheard of in the A-League.”
“The Grand Final in my first season was amazing, so all those memories, the trophies and celebrating with the team are the moments that come to mind.”
Tilio joins Celtic FC in record-breaking transfer
Under the guidance of both Patrick Kisnorbo and Rado Vidosic, Tilio continued to improve and impress as a footballer, earning him a record-breaking transfer to Europe.
“[They’re] two different personalities as coaches,” Tilio said. “When I first came, PK took me under his wing and was very tough on me from the get-go.”
“I couldn’t thank him enough for putting me through places I didn’t think I’d ever really see as a player, through seasons and pre-seasons always letting me know when things were good and bad – it was always from a good place. He built me into being a strong person and a strong character.
“Coming in with Rado, who really gave me an opportunity to play and almost cementing my spot in the starting XI this year. It’s hats off to him for giving me that opportunity and I can’t thank them both enough.”
