Olyroos centre back Giancarlo Gallifuoco has signed a one-year deal with National League club Torquay United.
FourFourTwo understands Gallifuoco had interest from Leyton Orient and Partick Thistle, but he has inked a deal with the Gulls.
The Olyroo said he was attracted to Torquay firstly by the success of Irish midfielder Eunan O'Kane.
"My agent brought him to Torquay and it was a brilliant springboard for his career so it would be a dream to be able to emulate that as a footballer," Gallifuoco told FourFourTwo.
"Secondly was after meeting the gaffer. His passion and aspirations for not only the whole team but me personally really excited me to get on board.
"I aim to play a lot of games, help the team as much as I can to move them forward and become the best defender I can be in one of the leading countries in football.
"I'm playing with a bunch of really great boys in the team who work incredibly hard and deserve a brilliant season, so I'm looking forward to working towards being a huge part of that.
"I would like to use this forum to say a big thank you to my agent, Dan and a big thank you to my partner, Olivia.
The defender has already scored two goals in five appearances for the club, after joining the club on non-contract terms at the start of August.
BREAKING I Giancarlo Gallifuoco has signed a contract until the end of the season. #tufc https://t.co/undFzsFOjk pic.twitter.com/vVjXIBRdqv
— Torquay United FC (@TUFC1899) 31 August 2016
Torquay's player-manager Kevin Nicholson said he is pleased to have signed Gallifuoco to a permanent deal.
“GG is the type of person and character that fits our programme perfectly," he told the club's website.
"He wants to improve, work hard and is a very good guy. He’s got better in training and the games that he’s played in. I see great potential in him if he keeps the right attitude.
“We will give him the best possible opportunity to become the player we think he can be. I am delighted to have him at the club for the season.”
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