Football
ESPN staff 9y

Socceroo Valeri adds spice to Melbourne derby in A-League

Melbourne Victory midfielder Carl Valeri has added to the tensions ahead of Saturday's derby game in the A-League by suggesting that Melbourne City should have read the fine print when they signed former Spain striker David Villa as a guest player.

City received a setback in the lead-up to the all-Melbourne clash when it was announced that Villa was likely to play only four games in the A-League instead of the scheduled 10 because of his early departure to sister club, New York City FC, in Major League Soccer. 

Another blow for the fledgling franchise came in the form of an injury setback to international marquee Robert Koren, who is yet to appear for the club. The former World Cup star may be out until December.

Valeri, who will be playing in his first derby game after a long career in Italy, feigned surprised when told of Villa's shorter-than-expected stint in Australia.

"I honestly didn't know that -- you've got to read the fine print in the contracts," he told www.a-league.com.au

"He's brought a spotlight to the A-League and good on him. He's got to make his personal decisions regardless of what happens in Australia. I think they [City] knew beforehand but I can't comment too much because I don't know."

Villa's third appearance for Melbourne City is expected to be his penultimate one in Australia. He scored goals in his first two matches as City drew against Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets.

But Valeri says Victory won't be focusing too much on the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League winner.

"There's responsibility on every player to keep an eye on everyone," he said.

"Obviously he's one to look out for because in and around the box he's fantastic at getting shots on goal. But we study every player, every team, just as much as we're studying Melbourne City."

Canberra-born Valeri recently returned to Australia after 12 years in Italy. He has earned 52 caps for Australia and also appeared in the 2004 Athens Olympics.

The 30-year-old is eager to sample the frenzied atmosphere of what is expected to be a sold-out Etihad Stadium for the first Melbourne derby of the season.

"I've seen highlights of a few, but never actually been to one," he said.

"It's an exciting time for myself and especially the club. The fans, I know they're pumped, and it's great to play in front of my family and friends who are coming down to watch."

Kevin Muscat's Melbourne Victory are second on the table after a win and a draw in their opening two matches compared to City in seventh after two draws. Valeri has signed a three-year deal with the two-time A-League champions.

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