Matthew Grimaldi will give football fans in Tarneit three more years of electricity after signing a new contract at Western United until 2027.
The 20-year-old gave supporters at the Regional Football Facility a moment to remember last week with his goal to put United in the lead, and there will plenty more where that came from.
In his first season as a professional footballer, Grimaldi has shone in John Aloisi’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men side with three goals across 19 appearances.
Committing his future to the West, Grimaldi said he is relishing the chance to shape the future of Western United.
“It’s an amazing feeling. I was in the Academy and now I’m in the first team, so it’s a dream come true and an even better feeling that we’re now in our new home, so I’m even more excited,” he said.
“I’m going to work really hard on and off the pitch and want to make Tarneit a fortress. We saw that against Macarthur, the crowd was what really got us lifted up. I can’t wait to keep playing in front of the fans.”
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato said Grimaldi would become a cornerstone of United’s development in the West.
“Matthew has developed remarkably as a player and a person at our Club and we are thrilled to extend his contract for a further three seasons,” he said.
“His development and progression from Academy product to first team footballer has been a delight to watch and he has already become a fan-favourite in such a short period of time.
“Matthew is a humble yet determined athlete who has the commitment and drive to succeed, and we wish him every success in his journey at the Club.
“As we look ahead to an exciting future in the West, we are incredibly excited for Matthew to continue to represent our community with his work ethic and individual flair.”
Grimaldi first burst onto the scene when he scored in his professional debut against Gold Coast Knights in the Australia Cup Round of 16 in August last year.
The No.39 has gone from strength to strength since then and will continue to develop into a key player for the Green and Black.
Grimaldi will be looking to celebrate his contract extension with the fans at the Regional Football Facility on Saturday when Western United takes on Central Coast Mariners.
