Perth Glory is delighted to confirm that experienced goalkeeper Mark Birighitti has signed a two-year deal with the club.
The Perth local, who has been capped by Australia at every level from Under-17 to the Socceroos, spent the first eight years of his senior career playing in the A-League for Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets before securing a move to then-English Premier League side Swansea City in 2016.
A spell in the Netherlands with NAC Breda followed and the gifted shot-stopper then headed back to the A-League for further stints at Melbourne City and Central Coast Mariners, claiming back-to-back A-League Goalkeeper of the Year awards with the latter in 2021 and 2022.
His fine form for the Mariners earned Birighitti a second move to Europe in 2022, where this time he spent two seasons with Scottish Premier League outfit Dundee United.
The 34-year-old is now looking forward to representing a club with which he has a strong personal connection.
“Coming back to Australia and playing for my hometown club is where my heart is,” he said, “and I am ready to give everything for the club and play my part in helping them achieve their goals.
“Perth Glory means more than just football.
“It’s about representing my family, fans and everything Perth Glory stands for.
“For me it’s not just a career move, it’s a personal journey.
“This city has shaped me into the player I am and I’m proud to be back where it all started.
“I want to give back on the pitch and I am ready to fight for every point for this club.”
Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis believes that the signing of Birighitti will significantly strengthen the club’s goalkeeping department.
“We want to bring in quality players with a local connection that our Members and fans are familiar with and Mark is a proven performer who has accumulated a vast amount of experience both in Australia and overseas,” he said.
“He wants a fresh challenge and the chance to prove himself again as one of the very best goalkeepers in the A-League.
“It’s vital to have serious competition for places in every area of the field and Mark will certainly provide that as far as our goalkeeping options are concerned.
“Our other ‘keepers will benefit from him being on board and we are thrilled to be welcoming another talented and proud West Aussie into the fold as we continue to build for next season.”
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