Bruno Fornaroli is gunning not only for a maiden A-League title for Melbourne City this season but for a new contract, with a real possibility this campaign could be his last in Australia.
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The Uruguayan fan favourite begins his fourth season without a deal to play on in his adopted homeland.
It's a matter of concern for the 31-year-old, who is also attempting to secure permanent residency.
Fornaroli has scored 47 goals in his three A-League seasons to date, a tally only bettered by departed legend Besart Berisha over that time frame.
"I can't wait to start the league. Especially for me because at the moment it's my last year," he told AAP.
"Then maybe, I don't know.
"I want to do something special for me, my teammates and the club."
Fornaroli said he was eager to remain in the A-League but he knew the reality of the industry.
"I'm very happy here. I feel great at the club. My family is enjoying life in Melbourne," he said.
"I'm so grateful that the club opened a door to me in this country and Melbourne has opened its door to my family.
"I hope to be around more for a couple years. We will see what will happen."
This pre-season, Fornaroli has lived a microcosm of the sport's ups and downs in the FFA Cup.
He scored two stunning goals in consecutive 1-0 wins to help City into the quarter-finals but missed a penalty against the Wanderers as Warren Joyce's side crashed out of the competition.
Joyce has spoken to Fornaroli about the miss.
"We had the chat," the striker said.
"I'm the first one to say you can't lose and you can't miss a penalty.
"I put my hand up and say I didn't have a great night ... I have to be better.
"I score in the two games before in the FFA Cup, great goals too. Everyone says 'you're back' and then you miss one penalty and people say 'you're not'.
"This is football. This is why I say you need to improve every week."
Fornaroli's last campaign only began in round 20 after a serious ankle injury.
He said he played through "serious pain" last year but off-season procedures had him fighting fit once more.
"I feel back," he said.
"Five months is the pre-season. It's long and hard ... I want to start to feel again the feeling of playing and fighting for real points. I can't wait."
Australian Associated Press
