After spending a difficult year in Spain, 22-year-old Greek Australian Theo Markelis has signed to Super League club Veria.

“Signing for Veria FC is a great opportunity,” Markelis told Neos Kosmos, “because they are in the first division and that is where I have always wanted to be no matter where it is, and also it’s in Greece which is my home town and a fantastic club.”

The Young Socceroo was left stranded when a permanent deal with Racing Santander fell through due to the club’s major financial problems. That resulted in Markelis spending half a season with Hercules CFB.

Before that, injury riddled the midfielder, who struggled to break the first team at his team in 2012, Melbourne Victory. He only made five appearances under coach Ange Postecoglou.

Markelis grew up in Melbourne and first played competitively for Brunswick City, Green Gully and the Victorian state team.

Brimming with talent, he signed to Valencia when he was just 15. He spent three years in Spain, averaging 15 goals a season in Valencia’s youth teams.

“Moving to such a big club, I felt that it was a dream come true,” he says.

“I grew as a player and learned things that I believe I couldn’t learn anywhere else. I played with players such as Isco who now plays for Real Madrid.”

His next stop was Italy, where he signed to Vicenza, chasing a dream to break into the first team, something he thought would never happen in Valenica.

He spent two years at the club before a homecoming to Melbourne Victory, once again chasing first team selection. Although Ange Postecoglou believed in him, injury would prevent him from making a lasting impression.

His homecoming did bring with it more opportunities, after he was selected to play for the Young Socceroos in the under 20s.

Signing to Veria has been an unexpectedly easy fit. The club’s headquarters are just two hours away from his father’s home town of Serres.

“Veria is a beautiful and historical place and I’m a big Greek fan and I love my country so I love living here,” he says.

“It’s a small city but it’s beautiful. I have adjusted pretty well here.”

Markelis has come at a great time for the club, which has changed its fortunes and is fighting for top position against champions Olympiakos and PAOK.