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Fornaroli urged Castro to stay at Perth

3 minute read

Star midfielder Diego Castro will play two more A-League seasons at Perth Glory and is looking forward to bonding with boom recruit Bruno Fornaroli.

DIEGO CASTRO of the Glory celebrates a goal during the A-League match between the Newcastle Jets and the Perth Glory at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia.
DIEGO CASTRO of the Glory celebrates a goal during the A-League match between the Newcastle Jets and the Perth Glory at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia. Picture: Tony Feder/Getty Images

Perth's new star signing Bruno Fornaroli has played a part in convincing Diego Castro to extend his A-League stay at the Glory.

Spanish schemer Castro, 36, has matched former Melbourne City star striker Fornaroli by signing a two-year deal, making Perth a potentially more lethal attacking force from next season.

While next month's finals are at the forefront of Castro's mind, the man known colloquially as "El Maestro" was relishing the prospect of playing alongside "El Tuna" (Fornaroli).

Castro is among a host of Glory players who have already pledged their future to the club beyond this Premiers Plate winning season.

Captain and attacking midfielder Castro said unwanted City front man Fornaroli made contact soon after he committed to head west.

"When he signed his contract, he always tried to help me with the right decision to try to reach this deal," Castro said.

"I am here in the right position to say I want to stay.

"I think it's a good chemistry for the future for this club, especially the personal part.

"I think the football will look after itself."

Castro, who arrived in Perth from Spain's La Liga in 2015, has scored 38 goals in 90 A-League games and emerged as one of the competitions most talented players.

His minutes have been carefully managed to ensure he remains fully fit.

Despite starting just 12 of 26 games and coming off the bench in another seven, Castro is still regarded as a key figure as Perth finally claimed their first piece of A-League silverware.

And the Spaniard attributes his form and influence to coach Tony Popovic.

"He changed a lot for me. He's a fantastic coach in terms of his knowledge," Castro said.

"I am still learning. That is the best sign, if you have experience and you are still learning."

Castro said it is conceivable he will see out his career at Perth as a 38-year-old, and hopes his legacy will be remembered with a championship.

"I think it will be a love story," he said.

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