Bruno Fornaroli wanted Melbourne Victory fans to feel his new-found passion for the club as he celebrated scoring a crucial derby goal against his former A-League Men side Melbourne City.
Fornaroli's second-half strike gave Victory the lead for the second time at AAMI Park on Saturday night in a thrilling encounter they went on to win 3-2.
The shock result lifted Victory off the foot of the table, boosting their slim finals chances and handing league-leaders City their second defeat of the season in the process.
Uruguayan-born Fornaroli was a fan-favourite during a goal-laden stint with City and led the club to its first major trophy just over six years ago.
But his messy departure for Perth Glory in 2019 and subsequent move to Victory last year have somewhat soured the relationship.
It was tested further when Fornaroli nodded home a rebound on Saturday night after his initial shot was brilliantly saved by City goalkeeper Thomas Glover.
The goal sparked wild celebrations between Fornaroli and Victory's active fans behind the northern goal.
"Everyone knows my past and I want the fans to know what this means to me as a Melbourne Victory player," Fornaroli said.
"They need to see my passion from this side.
"It was a great moment to celebrate in front of our fans and I'm still so happy."
Fornaroli could have scored again a few minutes later but was denied by Glover at close range.
Victory did enough for a much-needed win and will look to build at home against Adelaide United on Sunday.
"This team deserved to win and we worked so hard for this moment," Fornaroli said.
"It's great to win in a derby and it can push us as a team looking forward and to try to win more games."
Fornaroli is still grateful to City for bringing him to Australia in 2015.
The 35-year-old has since become a citizen of his adopted country, played for the Socceroos, and has starred with each ALM club he has represented.
He hopes fellow South American forward Fernando Romero can have a similar impact after arriving on loan from Paraguayan Primera Division outfit Cerro Porteno and making his Victory debut off the bench in the derby.
"I'm happy for Fernando to get his first minutes at the club," Fornaroli said.
"He's a great guy, great player, so we're looking forward to having minutes together too.
"Fernando comes from a great club in Paraguay and it's not easy to play there.
"He will show what he can do here and we will help him, and he will help the club, for sure."
