That sense of belonging is helping shape a new generation of Australian footballers now scattered across Europe but still deeply connected to home.
Many of Australia’s brightest young talents left home early, trading comfort and familiarity for the relentless demands of European football in pursuit of careers at the highest level.
Okon-Englster who spent his youth at Club Brugge and Benfica said those sacrifices have only strengthened his connection to Australia.
“I’ve had to move halfway across the world,” he said.
“I’ve had to live away from my family for periods. Those are just sacrifices that I’ve had to make for football and I think they’re all worthwhile and they’re paying off slowly.”
Circati, now based in Italy as a defender for Parma, says it is not lost on him how fortunate he is to not only be playing football but representing his country at the highest level.
“As a kid, my dream was just to play football,” Circati said.
“It wasn’t to be a Socceroo, wasn’t to play anywhere else, just to be able to play football as a job. And now that I’m living in Italy, being able to travel back to Australia to represent the CommBank Socceroos and Australia, it does feel more special.”
“When I’m back home, I do feel a deeper, stronger connection.”
For Italiano, wearing the CommBank Socceroos jersey is still the dream that drives everything.
“I’ve probably sacrificed a lot and it’s taken maybe a little bit longer than I would have would have hoped,” the right-back said.
“Now that it’s here. It’s all worth it. I would do it all a million times over, just to get this opportunity.”