01 Mar Fornaroli saga “common” worldwide says City midfielder

Melbourne City midfielder Rostyn Griffiths says the saga involving Bruno Fornaroli and coach Warren Joyce is something that occurs frequently in leagues across the world.

Fornaroli, 31, parted ways with the A-League club after being completely frozen out by Joyce who questioned the striker’s commitment to the club.

The Uruguayan’s departure was met with anger by disgruntled City fans, but Griffiths believes his marquee status further intensified the situation.

“What happened in the Bruno Fornaroli situation is pretty common in most countries. Things like that happen all the time,” he told SEN Afternoons.

“The only difference is sometimes in Australia is that you get to marquee status, so everyone expects ‘you’re dropping your marquee player’, and so it becomes a big issue.

“Those things happen all the time and it’s something I’ve seen numerous times and to even bigger players than Bruno Fornaroli over my career.

“It’s something that hasn’t been too much of a distraction.”

Fornaroli netted 57 times for City and became a fan favourite after joining the A-League in 2015.

League leaders Perth Glory is looming as the likely destination for the marksman.

The Citizens take on the Glory at AAMI Park on Sunday as they look to snap a five-game winless run.