Giraldi back on track with Wollongong FC

To say Giraldi has endured a colourful career doesn?t give the adjective enough justice.
After cutting his teeth as a teenager with the Wollongong Wolves in their youth system, he went onto represent Australia at youth level.
He then moved onto the AIS for a year before being offered a contract with Empoli for a season who then loaned him to Serie D club Cuoio Pelli.
The 22-year-old striker, who has always been a proud Australian, yearned to come home after the A-League got off the ground and once he was granted a release from Italy elected to sign with Adelaide ahead of the 2006-07 campaign.
After impressing the coaching staff in the city of churches, he had his contract extended a further season.
His life changed at a friend?s barbeque on Boxing Day last year following heart palpitations which put things in perspective.
Rather than dwell on the past, Giraldi has opted to look to his future and revealed ?a couple? of concrete offers abroad have already been tabled for him to consider.
?At the moment I have a few options overseas but I am not about to jump at the first one for the sake of it,? he said.
?I have known (Wollongong FC head coach) John Turner for a long time and for many years I have sought out his advice on different matters in my life.
?I wasn?t enjoying my football with Adelaide and after speaking with (head coach) Aurelio Vidmar we both felt it was best if me and the club parted company.
?My immediate aim is to get as many matches under my belt with Wollongong FC as possible and a little bit of silverware wouldn?t go astray either.
?The culture in the club is fantastic and I am really enjoying my football which is the main reason I came to play under John.?
Giraldi went onto to state he has been impressed with the standard of the Telechoice Premier League and believes many players in the competition could have an impact in the A-League if they were exposed to fulltime training.
?I have only played a handful of games but already I have seen quite a few players that could hold their own,? he said.
?They just need to be in a better environment.
?When I look at my career I have time on my side and if the right move comes up I will consider it.
?I still have plenty of things I want to achieve in the sport and with the support from my family and friends I am confident I will play at the highest level once again.?
-By Andrew Prentice