“I was boarding the plane, and I got a notification on WhatsApp,” Cacace tells the Herald.
“It just said the initials – and I was like ‘Who’s this? And then I clicked on it and it was a video message from Ryan … welcoming me to the club, saying ‘I can’t wait to meet you in person and telling me about his adventures to New Zealand as well’.”
Ryan, of course, is Ryan Reynolds, the Hollywood actor who is also a co-owner of Wrexham FC, the club which has captured the imagination with their high profile shareholders and rise through the divisions of English football, detailed in the series Welcome to Wrexham.
Cacace has enjoyed the interactions with Reynolds – whose film catalogue includes the Deadpool franchise.
“He’s very down to earth, talkative and has been so supportive, as a new player,” Cacace says.
It was a big move for Cacace – after three seasons in Serie A with Empoli – and the next step, in his dream to reach the highest level possible.
It was also a big signing for Wrexham, who had just been promoted to the Championship, one step below the Premier League.
Unfortunately, his first season turned into a nightmare, with a run of injuries that tested him physically and mentally.
From never having a muscle problem in his career, there seemed to be constant issues.
He made his debut in the opening game of the season, then missed eight of the next nine matches.
He returned for five matches (two starts), then endured another stretch from early November to early January where he didn’t take the field.
In all he only made eight league starts, across a campaign that felt like he was constantly in a rehabilitation phase.
“It did take me a long time to come to grips with what was happening with me,” Cacace tells the Herald from the team’s San Diego base.
“I would come back; I was getting through a week and then get injured again. It was something I’ve never experienced before, missing so many sessions.”
Even when he did come back, he didn’t feel right.
“With injury after injury, it takes a while to get the confidence and trust in your body again … you tend to hold back even though you think you’re not holding back.”
At a time when there was already a big adjustment – new country, new team, new league – things just seemed to compound.
The enforced break gave Cacace a time to reflect on what he has achieved in the six years since he left the Phoenix, with almost 50 matches in Belgium’s top tier, then 91 Serie A matches for Empoli.
Liberato Cacace in action for Empoli against Juventus. Photo / Getty
“I’m very proud of that,” Cacace said.
But the injuries were tough to take and he arrived in the All Whites camp in late May having not played since February.
Cacace was solid – but not at his best against Haiti and England – though there were signs in the 2-2 draw against Iran.
“I’m in a much better place,” Cacace says.
“I feel a lot stronger than what I was coming into the tour and I’ve worked hard to make sure that I’m in good shape.
“We can be honest and say I’m probably not at 100% but I’m definitely in a good spot and I’m getting stronger, more confident and back to my best.”
It’s been a new situation for Cacace, usually a player others turn to for inspiration. It happened at the Tokyo Olympics and has happened on plenty of other occasions since.
Can it happen in North America?
You wouldn’t bet against it, even if Cacace is still trying to rediscover the recipe.
“As a leader, people look up to you,” Cacace says.
“So it’s not a matter of having to prove yourself but more making sure that you put yourself out there, work as hard as you can and people will follow you.”
Despite his recent struggles, you sense a vintage Cacace moment – a surging run, timely cross or bullet shot – is not far away, as he has never been one to shrink from the spotlight.
“There are little things you can do … showing for the ball, getting on the ball when times are tough,” Cacace says.
“There are going to be a lot of pressure moments in the next two games, so it’s little moments.”
Cacace is being pushed hard – especially by Ben Old – but is likely to keep his starting spot for the Egypt game, given his experience and physical presence.
The clash with the African team will bring back vivid memories.
The All Whites have played Egypt only once before – a 1-0 loss in Cairo in March 2024 – when Cacace wore the armband for the first time.
“I guess there are memorable games, like when you score your first goal or make your debut, but probably that game against Egypt stands out,” said Cacace.
“To captain my country was memorable for me and my family. I didn’t think it would ever happen – because I wouldn’t say I’m a natural leader – and to happen that quickly was very special.”
Michael Burgess has been a sports journalist for the NZ Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.
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