Maclaren’s sister – Steph Condello, works at City’s crosstown rival Melbourne Victory as a commercial partnerships manager and admitted she was a factor for his return.

“My sister works for Victory and recently fell pregnant, so for me I ask, ‘Do I really want to miss out on these things?’,” he said. “It’s a tough gig being a footballer, you’re always moving around and you have six months here and there.

Jmac celebrates after scoring a goal

“It’s not easy to find yourself settled and when an opportunity arises from Melbourne City and the City Football Group to come back home and really enjoyed it, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and these things don’t happen very often.”

Maclaren is also reunited with old friend Luke Brattan, who is spent time with at Roar and the midfielder said his situation resonated with him after spending time in the UK.

He also joins former Perth Glory teammates Scott Jamieson and Rostyn Griffiths.

“I know what he’s going through,” Brattan said. “He’s been away with his family a lot longer than I was and I still found it hard. He’s back with his family now.

“Family is everything and it is tough to leave them behind and I don’t see them very often in Melbourne. It’s tough, but it’s part of the job and sacrifices to be a footballer are very big. Hopefully he gets rewarded for his hard work and I can’t wait to see him on the field.”

Maclaren is likely to make his City debut against Adelaide United on Saturday night.