Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam Miller has said that a desire to “move home” was a crucial factor in his decision to sign with Cork City, and that he was looking forward to helping a side he believes are in a “a good place”.
The 21-cap international, who has had spells in the UK with Celtic, Manchester United and Sunderland, as well as a Grand Final-winning stint with the Brisbane Roar in the Australian A-League, was announced as a Cork City player earlier this month.
Speaking today after he was officially unveiled, the Cork native spoke about the draw of returning to the Rebel County.
“I’m a Cork lad,” Miller said. "It was pretty straightforward, to be honest with you. I’ve got mates there, as well.
“I’m coming to a team I already know, and I’m just looking forward to obviously working hard in pre-season and looking forward to the season.”
"I don’t think I needed too much convincing, because I sort of had my own mind made up as well, to be honest. I wanted to come home."
Miller said that he had spoken to Cork boss John Caulfield ahead of the move, but had not needed too much persuasion to sign a deal.
"I don’t think I needed too much convincing, because I sort of had my own mind made up as well," the 33-year-old said.
"I wanted to come home.”
Miller said that he thought Cork were in “a good place” ahead of the start of the season, adding: “They had a great season last year, but just fell short at the final hurdle.”
He said he hoped to bring a hard-working attitude to Cork, and that he was looking forward to playing with Colin Healy in the Cork midfield.
Caulfield said Miller would add “so much” to his side, saying, “we all know the heights Liam had been at”, and opined that he had been outstanding during his time in Australia.
“He’s experienced, and he’s coming into a team of real modest, solid players, which he is himself," Caufield said.
"Already he’s trained the last two mornings, and he’s just come in and fitted in like he’s one of the lads, and that’s what we want.”
