Italian defender Fabio Grosso, viewed as a villain by Australian fans for robbing the Socceroos of a quarter-final berth at the 2006 World Cup, wants to play in the Australian A-League, according to reports.
Grosso, 34, who has spent the past three seasons playing for recently-crowned Italian champion Juventus, is looking to wind down his playing career, according to his agent.
Agent Lou Sticca said he was negotiating with several A-League clubs about the prospect of the former Italian international and World Cup winner finishing his career in Australia.
"I have spoken to him several times and he is very interested in playing in the A-League," Sticca told The Australian newspaper.
"He is looking for a new, exciting challenge and feels he still has plenty to offer. He has had a number of offers to stay in Italy and play either in the Serie A or Serie B. There is also strong interest from China.
"But Fabio is really interested in coming to Australia, especially for the lifestyle. He has a young family and believes Australia would be a wonderful place for his family."
Grosso became "public enemy number one" in Australia for what many believe was a dive in the last minute of Italy's round of 16 match against the Guus Hiddink-coached Socceroos in Kaiserslautern almost six years ago.
With the score at 0-0 and the game heading for extra time, he fell in the box after a tackle by Lucas Neill and Francesco Totti slotted home the penalty.