“One day, this finishes,” he told Viscione, “Football ends but life continues. For me, the best [lesson] you can leave or pass to the new generation is [to] be humble, be a good person, try to help your teammates.”
“Of course, you want to be a good player … but the other part, you can’t forget. As players, sometimes we have a lot of people [who] ask for photos, but you can’t lose [sight of the fact that] you’re a normal person.”
That balance between ambition and humility has defined Fornaroli’s time in Australia, a country he now proudly calls home. “[It’s a] beautiful country, a lot of opportunity for our kids and it feels like home for us. Australia opened the door for my family, for me, and we are very grateful. [My intention is to] help [Australian football] after I stop playing.”
As the twilight of his career approaches, thoughts naturally turn to what comes next. Coaching, he admits, may not be his path. “I don’t know if [I want to be a] coach. I think you have to have a different passion [from playing], and at some point, I want to enjoy my family as well,” he explained.
“I’m a very competitive guy, I’m very crazy. [Being a] coach is 24/7; you can’t switch off. I know if I go into [it], I’ll probably lose my hair trying to be the best coach and trying to provide everything for the players.
“I’d probably have to move, and I don’t want that. I want my family settled here and [for them to know], ‘Dad is finished, now we can actually have our life.’”
For Fornaroli, football has always demanded sacrifice, often at the expense of time with loved ones. “I have to be fair to them, because they helped me all these years. They moved around with me and supported me. In Europe, you will be [with] your teammates and the club more than with your family.”
Over the years, the striker has witnessed football transform into an ever more physically demanding sport. “These days, you’re training with the team but also you have to make sure you do something on your own,” he said.
“I always say now football is … more physical. I compare it with Formula 1 cars; one little second makes the difference. So, you have to do extra; train with the club but have another guy in the afternoon to do a specific [private session].”
It’s a shift that has also affected the development of young players. He often compares the freedom of his childhood in Uruguay with the more structured routines of today’s aspiring footballers. “Before, we didn’t have all the devices: iPads, PlayStation, telephones – we had the ball,” he recalled.
“My son is training three or four times a week. Perfect, I was training three or four times a week, but the difference between me and my son - and I use him as an example because I see him every day at home - is that as soon as school finished, I’d take the ball and catch up with my teammates and I’d spend another five [to] seven hours with the ball.
“This is where I created my ability. My tricks were coming from there: from the street, from the park. Sometimes, we create robots. I think it’s not great for the game.”
Fornaroli’s move to Avondale has reignited his love for the game in a new environment. “It’s incredible, it surprised me,” he said of his new employer.
“Not only the environment we have, also all the people around the club,” he said. “It’s great to be part of it, and I hope I can help the club to keep growing. I can see big potential in the club.
“I hope we can see Avondale, in the future, playing [in the] A-League.”
Ahead of their upcoming fixture, he is relishing the camaraderie of the dressing room. “It’s a new group, and I have to say thank you to my teammates because they gave me a really warm welcome to the club,” he shared.
“[They’re] great boys, and I’m enjoying [my time] with them. This is another great part of football: the changeroom. It’ll probably be what I miss the most when I retire.”
You can see Bruno Fornaroli make his Avondale debut this Sunday, October 12 at Avenger Park against Canberra Croatia in the Australian Championship opening round. Kick off is at 4:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased here.
