It was announced last Monday the 17-year-old would be heading to the Netherlands to be nurtured in the youth academy of the Dutch giant.

Victory was unable to hold onto the talented youngster from Wangaratta as the deal to Ajax was completed when he was still 16 with Victorian law stating he needed to be 17 to sign a contract.

Australian’s are required to be of legal age before moving abroad, however, Pasquali turned 17 yesterday and is speculated to possess an Italian passport which would provide a loophole to the rule.

Valeri believed it was the right move for the teenager.

“I’m excited I think he’s chosen the right club, I would’ve liked to see him grow up in Melbourne Victory colours, but the rules are there,” Valeri said.

“I spoke to Seb a lot, we all did, we all thought he was a great player and we’re all excited to have him because someone with such a raw talent like that, it doesn’t come across very often.

“I mean me being a bit older, I realise that and maybe other players didn’t, so it was exciting to have him in the team.

“It’s unfortunate he couldn’t stay but the rules are there, we couldn’t keep. I think he’s gone to one of the best clubs in the world for his situation.”

32-year-old Valeri began his career in Europe when he was 20, joining Italian giants Inter Milan before being sent on loan to Serie B side Societa Polisportiva Ars et Labor (SPAL).

He later had a five year stint with Grosseto.

Four Australians have had experienced at Ajax – Hayden Foxe, Joey Didulica, Jason Culina and Mike Peterson.

Valeri said he advised Pasquali he had made the right decision.

“I spoke to Seb about this – he went to the right club, I went to a big club and that’s true I got lost in the system a bit and had to fight my way through,” he said.

“I spoke to Seb about that, he knows that. He’s at one of the best clubs that really pushes young players, I’m excited for him and excited for his career. We’ll be following him like he’ll be following us.”

Valeri represented the Socceroos in the 2010 World Cup and 2011 Asian Cup under former managers Pim Verbeek and Holger Osieck before Ange Postecoglou brought in a new A-League dominant regime.

And with the amount of players in the A-League featured in the national team, the Victory captain touched on the importance of Australians travelling to Europe at an early age.

“With young players it’s hard, some people peak early, some people peak late. I mean a classic example is Aaron Mooy but he didn’t quite break through at Bolton (Wanderers),” he said.

“You come back and he broke through and now look at him, he’s fine and doing great.

“Another perfect example – Mile Jedinak, look at that, he peaked late and ended up being captain of Crystal Palace.

“There’s a lot of fantastic stories like that, Seb’s gone over young and hopefully he can really stay there.”