Murdocca, 28, Roar’s only remaining foundation player, will return to his hometown with wife Michelle and one-year-old daughter Allesandra after eight years in Queensland.

Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach, John Aloisi, believes Murdocca has all the ingredients to become a long-term fixture at the club.

“Massimo has a well-deserved reputation as an outstanding professional and he has proven he has a winner’s mentality,” said Aloisi, who is currently on a scouting mission in Europe.

“His energy and performances in the A-League have always been of the highest standard and he is a player who consistently gets the most out of himself. It’s wonderful that we can attract somebody to the club who still has so much to offer.”

Murdocca remains focused on winning a third championship having come within a game of a third consecutive Grand Final.

“I am still hungry for more success and it’s something I want to bring to (Melbourne) Heart," he said.

"Since coming into the league, I have always been impressed by how many problems their young players caused me and how they have tried to play attractive football.

“To be able to come back and play football in my home suburb in front of family and friends is really exciting.”

Murdocca joins Iain Ramsay as the club’s second post-season signing and both will be with the team when they commence pre-season training in early June.

The pint-sized midfielder played more games for Brisbane than any other player - he made 162 Hyundai A-League appearances in the orange jersey – and was a firm fan favourite with the club’s loyal supporter base.

“It’s with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Massimo but we know it’s for the right reasons,” Managing Director Sean Dobson said.

“His record speaks for itself and to be the most capped Brisbane Roar player in club history is testament to his commitment and professionalism.

“Massimo has had to overcome some serious injuries in his time at the club and the fact he has always returned to play at the top level is an indication of the tenacity and determination he has displayed throughout his playing career to-date.

“Massimo has been a great ambassador for this club over the past eight years and while we wanted him to stay on with the Roar, we wish him and his family all the best in Melbourne.”