Fornaroli’s back but future is uncertain

AFTER 166 days out of action, Melbourne City striker Bruno Fornaroli admits he was close to tears when the time came to return to the A-League.

Fornaroli (above) was the chief bright spot for City on Saturday night given the club’s 4-0 humbling by Sydney FC.

The Uruguayan played the final half-hour of the match after more than five months out with an ankle injury.

He looked a shadow of the striker who scored 40 goals in his first two A-League seasons, but City’s captain was delighted to just be there.

“I wanted to cry in this moment,” he said. “I waited a lot of time for this.”

Fornaroli has a fortnight off ahead of City’s next A-League clash, away to Perth Glory.

But coach Warren Joyce cautioned against fans thinking he was a certain starter for the rest of the season.

“He’s managing his pain. We look day by day,” Joyce said.

“He’s certainly not had three days training on the trot.

“It was a bonus to get him out on the pitch tonight ... because you know how little he’s done.”

Given the gulf between City and the league leaders, Fornaroli – and whiz-kid Daniel Arzani – look to be the only reasons for optimism in City’s camp.

Fornaroli isn’t about to give up on the season.

“I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates, the club and the coaches,” he said.