Football South Australia extends a huge congratulations to South Australian Joe Gauci, who joins English Premier League giants Aston Villa from Adelaide United.
Joe has had spells as a junior at Cumberland United & WT Birkalla, while also being selected to be part of the Football SA program, representing the State in the U14 side at the National Championships in Coffs Harbour, under the mentorship of current Adelaide United coach, Carl Veart.
Gauci also more recently played in the RAANPLSA for WT Birkalla and Adelaide City.
Gauci then joined the Reds ahead of the 2020/21 Isuzu UTE A-League season, making his debut in a memorable 3-1 victory.
Joe was called up to the Subway Socceroos squad in March 2022, before finally making his international debut a year later, in a 2-1 win over Ecuador in Melbourne.
During his time at Adelaide United, Gauci made a total of 76 appearances and 16 clean sheets and represented Australia on two occasions.
Speaking about the move on the Adelaide United Facebook page, Gauci said:
"Thank you Reds fans, the support you’ve shown me over the last 3 and a half seasons has been nothing short of incredible.
“From my debut to my first home game and clean sheet, to playing finals football at Coopers Stadium and classic away wins, the love you’ve given me over this period has made these memories even more memorable and they are something I’m going to carry with me for the rest of my life.
“I would also like to thank all the staff members and players, past and present, that have supported me through this journey. The environment the Club has created has really allowed me to flourish and be my true self, on and off the field, that has allowed me to reach the level that I have.
“I would like to wish everyone at the club all the best for the rest of the season and I look forward to supporting the Club from afar. I really hope in the future our paths will cross again.”