Bruno Fornaroli's first 29 A-League goals at AAMI Park were for Melbourne City, but despite goal No.30 coming against them, the love between the club and their former captain remains as strong.
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Fornaroli out-muscled Harrison Delbridge to head home the opening goal in Perth Glory's 3-0 rout, but celebrated his 27th-minute strike in muted fashion.
"It's strange - I have great memories here, I give respect for them like they give me tonight for me," Fornaroli said.
"So I (didn't celebrate) because I have good friends here and good memories - the fans you see tonight have big love for me and I try to not celebrate and show respect for them."
There had been plenty of anticipation for Fornaroli's first game against City since he was frozen out by former coach Warren Joyce, but Glory boss Tony Popovic said he didn't need to speak to Fornaroli about the situation.
"He's an experienced player, he's a very good player and we knew that he would handle the situation and the goal is just the icing for him in a very good match," Popovic said.
"Obviously he has fantastic memories here and we don't want him to forget those or reflect poorly on them.
"So he's delighted with the time he had here and now he's with Perth Glory and he's doing a very good job for us."
Popovic's sentiment reflected that of his striker, who said he had enjoyed - not dreaded - the prospect of returning to his former hunting ground.
"I enjoy (the opportunity) to come back here, see the people. I have friends (here)," Fornaroli said.
"It's a good feeling because it's nice when you see the people you love and I have a lot of people inside the club and as soon as I crossed the door tonight and I see the people - I feel like I'm home and this is great for me."
Despite his matchwinning role, there was still no shortage of love for Fornaroli, who was cheered off the ground by City and Glory fans alike when he exited the pitch in the 87th minute.
"I swear, for me it was crazy," he said.
"I see the love from the fans, for me - I think it's the best. More than the title you can win, more than the trophy you can win. At the end, football is this.
"I prefer this than maybe someone will win one trophy for the club and no-one will remember him, no-one will say goodbye or hello. But the feeling I felt in minute 86, this - (nothing) can compare."
Australian Associated Press
