The guessing game has started about the identity of the Australian footballing legend who will be revealed as Macarthur FC’s marquee player.
At 10.30am tomorrow, in what will be a historic day, the Bulls will introduce the man himself at the club’s home ground, Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Macarthur FC head coach Ante Milicic, club chairman Gino Marra as well as Bulls ambassador and Macarthur’s own Socceroos legend Brett Emerton will attend the announcement.
It comes in the wake of the club naming the third player they have signed for their inaugural A-League season, goalkeeper Adam Federici.
The experienced English Premier League and Socceroo gloveman has signed a two-year deal.
The six foot two shot stopper links with Macarthur FC from Stoke City, bringing with him a wealth of topflight experience, appearing in over 280 matches across the EPL and Championship leagues.
Federici, who will don the gloves in his first professional club match on home soil for Macarthur FC, departed Australian shores at the age of 17 to pursue his football career overseas.
He began his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers, before moving to Torres in Serie C1.
After short stints with Wanderers and Torres, Federici, pictured, returned to England, suiting up for 11 seasons with Reading.
Regarded as one of the best keepers to have played for Berkshire-based Reading, Federici starred in the club’s League One campaign in 2006/07, gaining promotion back into the Premier League.
After linking with Premier League side AFC Bournemouth in 2015, Federici eventually agreed to terms with Stoke City in the Championship.
Federici has amassed 16 national caps for the Socceroos since debuting against Uruguay in June 2007 and represented Australia at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
“Adam’s knowledge and experience in the top European leagues will be invaluable to our squad,’’ says Bulls coach Ante Milicic.
“The opportunity to strengthen our roster with someone of Adam’s ability and professionalism, doesn’t come around often,” Milicic said
Federici, who grew up on the South Coast, said he was excited with the challenge ahead.
“Football has provided me with many fantastic opportunities around the world,’’ he said.
“To be able to come back to Australia and play football, not only at a start-up club, but also only 90 minutes from where I grew up is something I could not pass on.
“The Macarthur region has always had a strong football following and I’m looking forward to seeing the passion from our fans in our debut season.’’
