Giancarlo's signs on in red and black (original) (raw)

Western Sydney Wanderers have brought home former Spurs junior Giancarlo Gallifuoco as an injury replacement for crocked midfielder Jordan O'Doherty.

O'Doherty injured his Anterior Crucial Ligament during the first half of the Wanderers A-League Round 20 clash against Perth Glory.

The blow came after defender Patrick Ziegler was also ruled out for the rest of the campaign through injury.

Wanderers' already weakened side is set to be further hit by losing players for the Olyroos' upcoming AFC U23 Championship qualifiers in Cambodia later this month.

But the arrival of former Tottenham U23s and Olyroo Gallifuoco will hopefully help bolster the squad for the last few rounds of the season.

The 25-year-old returns to Australia following his recent departure from Serie C side FC Rieti, having spent the last few years in Europe with English sides Torquay United and Dover Athletic.

Gallifuoco said he was delighted to return to Australia and represent the Red & Black.

“I feel awesome to be honest and honoured to have signed with the club,” said Gallifuoco.

“The gaffer (Markus Babbel) spoke to me and I’m grateful because I know players on the team and they’ve given me a really warm welcome.

“A massive motivator in me coming to the Wanderers was that I am originally from Sydney and as much as I’ve loved the clubs I have played for, you don’t have the same connection like you do when you’re from a club that represents you.

“My goals are to help the team, help their goals and be as much of an aid as I can be.”

Following impressing at the AIS during his teens Gallifuoco was snapped up by English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur where he played 29 games over two years in the club’s U23 team.

After a short stint with Melbourne Victory during the club’s 2016 AFC Champions League campaign Gallifuoco then secured a move to England with Torquay United FC for the 2016-17 season before moves to Dover Athletic and FC Rieti in Italy.