Socceroos: Ajdin Hrustic chasing a FIFA World Cup berth
Hrustic has rejoined Eredivisie club Heracles Almelo on a one-year deal after a tough season in Italy with Salernitana that ended with the Salerno-based outfit being relegated to the third division after losing a playoff against Sampdoria.
'I had a difficult year with lots of ups and downs … but that's done and dusted,' Hrustic said.
'I've left it behind, and I'm looking forward to a fresh start here.'
The 'downs' included being dropped from the Socceroos squad, with his most recent appearance for the national team coming in a 2-2 away draw with Bahrain in November last year.
'I have a vision in my head what I want to do for the team and with the team, but also for myself personally, and I'm going to take it week by week, and we'll see where we end up in round 34,' the 29-year-old playmaker said.
'I want to be in top shape for the World Cup with Australia in a year.'
Hrustic believes he will get the necessary 'love' to thrive at Heracles, where he had a short loan spell during the 2023-24 season following a nightmare stint in Italy with Hellas Verona.
'I have great memories here, and the club did something for me that I am very grateful for,' the Dandenong product said.
'In one of my most difficult periods they were there for me, and I wanted to pay it back.
'It's like a family. The coach (Dutchman Bas Sibum) here is what I need, and is what you need as a footballer.
'You get confidence, you get the love you need as a footballer, and it's just a warm place for me.
'It's very nice to be back. I cannot wait to get started.'
Heracles' new Eredivisie campaign starts next Monday (AEST) against FC Utrecht.
Originally published as Ajdin Hrustic pleased to be back in the Netherlands with Heracles Almelo
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