Carl Valeri's support for Canberra football has been outstanding

Carl Valeri is looking forward to seeing his folks on the weekend.

Seems like Carl Valeri is a popular guy wherever he goes. This blog has been invaded by fans from Italy, in particular Grosseto, in recent days.

Valeri is looking forward to returning to Grosseto next season. He clearly feels excited about the new season in Serie B.

"It's the first time the club have been in Serie B so it's very exciting. The fans are very nice, it's a great place to play football. We have a new coach so that will make things interesting. I just hope I'm in the team."

If the fans have their way Carl will be first name on the team sheet.

In Canberra we feel pretty much the same way. Carl has given outstanding support to help the game in Canberra over the years. He has promoted the Kanga Cup, and is now assisting us at Capital Football to expand people's knowledge of the game through his weekly contributions to www.nearpost.blogspot.com

But back to more important matters. The Socceroos attempt to win the Asian Cup.

How is the Socceroos Asia Cup campaign going Carl?

"We'll get stronger every game. I'm certain of that. How you train after a poor result is always interesting. And the boys trained really well today. The intensity and desire is there."

"Sure it's hard in the heat, but if we want to win that's the conditions we have to overcome."

"Do you expect to play?"

"I'd like to think so, but I'm realistic, there are a lot of good players in this squad. Maybe my turn will come in later tournaments. A players gets to know where he is in the pecking order. It's disappointing because every player wants to play."

"But I'm training really well and feeling very fit. So if I get my chance, I'll try and grab it."

"And how is Bangkok?"

"It's awesome. I went and got a few DVD's from MDK shopping centre. It was a day off for the players so some of us went to watch Thai boxing. That was unreal. I'd always wanted to see it. Some of the guys in the front row even got blood on their shorts."

Stick to football Carl.

"Socceroos to win on Friday?"

"I'll think you'll see a much better performance from the boys, in fact I know you will. We have to focus on our game. Improve our game and not worry about the opposition."

"And your parents arrive on Thursday?"

"I'm really looking forward to that. It'll be great having them nearby. Just having somewhere to go and get away from football will be great."

Catch Carl's reaction to the Socceroo games on the weekend.