Australian defender Giancarlo Gallifuoco has expressed his relief after his English club Torquay United avoided the drop out of the National League.
Torquay won its final three league fixtures to escape the relegation zone and end up in 17th spot. The Gulls finished with 53 points, just three above relegated club York City.
Gallifuoco joined Torquay last year from Melbourne Victory. The centre back was ever-present for the Gulls this season, racking up 34 appearances.
Torquay ended the National League season with a 2-0 win over North Ferriby United on Saturday, ensuring its safetly.
"A huge sigh of relief is an understatement," Gallifuoco told FourFourTwo.
"It is such a relief but I did not have a doubt that we could do it. We never should have been in that position in the first place, but I'm happy that when we needed to get the business done, as a team we were able to pull through.
"There was a number of unfortunate serious injuries between us that always disrupted the gelling of the team. But I think towards the end we had everyone back fit and healthy and our form showed that."
Gallifuoco spent three years in England with Tottenham and Swansea City before signing for Melbourne Victory. The 23-year old described his season with Torquay as "incredible".
"For me personally it has been a great year that propelled me back into English football," he said.
"I managed to get a lot of games, a couple goals and added a third position to my CV as a right back, so I have pretty much ticked off all of my major goals this year.
"It's been an absolute whirlwind, but most importantly being back here showcasing what I can do has been the biggest reward of all."
Gallifuoco is now off-contract and is considering his next move. A return home to the A-League, or staying on in the UK, has not been ruled out by the former Olyroo.
"Right now my only plan is to get home, get some sleep and regroup after this huge season," he said.
"There is nothing set in stone yet for me football wise, next season is a big season for me, so it will be all about taking the right steps forward to continue progressing. I have loved my time at Torquay and they have been a great launch pad to really get me moving.
"[But] I'm lucky because changing country is never something I fear. As I said, I am completely open to everything. I would be lying if I said there weren't any options in either of those countries, but as it stands I'm just waiting for the right one.
"Whether that means staying here or moving, we'll have to wait and see. If it is the right step for me, there really isn't a boundary. "
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