Circati: Returning for the Socceroos in Perth was always my goal
Subway Socceroos defender Alessandro Circati said that he always had this international window in mind when plotting a path back after rupturing his ACL in September.
The 21-year-old was speaking to media in his hometown of Perth ahead of the team’s all-important FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifier against Japan on Thursday evening.
Circati was also asked about being back home in Perth, his recovery from injury, and taking on club teammate Zion Suzuki.
Being home
It feels great. Being back home always puts a smile on my face. You get to see your Mum and Dad, who don’t live with me over in Italy. So coming back here - it hasn't been the greatest weather, usually it's amazing weather – [but] it's always a great, great experience coming back home.
Recovery from injury
I was operated on the first of October, and straight away, after three days, had surgery, went into rehab, was there for five-and-a-half months. After that, I was sent back to my club and slowly started to train with the team, doing minimal things at the start, slowly and gradually building into a full session. At about six and a half months, I was training fully and was then on the bench with the boys. I'm not sure exactly after how long, but then I played the last two games.
I was doing rehab six hours a day. I only had Sunday off, so it was a bit full on. I didn't have much free time. I don't think I had a single day off, other than the break for Christmas and New Year.
Returning for these fixtures
When you first get your surgery, when you first start rehab, they ask you: 'What's your goal? What are you trying to accomplish?' I said, 'look, there are two World Cup qualifiers in Perth and in June. My goal is to be able to go there'. And I'm lucky enough to be able to do that.
Returning stronger
After an injury like this, you never know how you would return. It's a bit of an unknown. But I think I returned really well, stronger than I was before. I think over that time, I really worked on myself as a person and as an athlete. I worked on areas where maybe I was weaker, or areas I had to improve, and so I feel like I've returned as a better athlete.
Handling speculation
It's part of the job. In the summer, there are lots of people spreading lots of rumours. You read it, you see it because you get it sent to you, but you’ve just got to take it with a grain of salt. It’s normal, it happens. It's going to happen now, and it’s going to happen in a few years' time.
Coming up against club teammate Zion Suzuki
I've already given him a few words back in Parma telling him that we're going to score. It’s just friendly competition between us at the end of the day. He’s a great guy, a very humble guy. He’s obviously had an amazing year himself.
SUBWAY SOCCEROOS’ FIXTURES | JUNE FIFA MEN’S INTERNATIONAL WINDOW
Subway Socceroos v Japan
Thursday, 5 June 2025
Perth Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 7.00pm local / 9.00pm AEST
Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster
Broadcast: 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
Saudi Arabia v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday 10 June 2025
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah
Kick-off: 9.15pm local / 4.15am AEST
Broadcast: Paramount+