Gold Coast star’s mad dash home from Europe

Gold Coast City midfielder Roman Hofmann has made a long trip back from the Netherlands to play in Wednesday night’s Westfield FFA Cup quarter final against South Melbourne.

Hofmann left earlier this month on a student exchange trip to Utrecht University in Holland.

But the 23-year-old happily answered a club request to return to the Gold Coast for the crucial clash with the PS4 NPL Victorian giants.

FFA Cup preview: Gold Coast v South Melbourne

Hofmann arrived home on the weekend and will fly out less than 48 hours after kick-off tonight, heading back to Europe on Friday.

“It feels great to be back. I’m really excited for the game after being away for two-and-a-half weeks,” said Hofmann, who had one session with the side on Monday.

“I’m really grateful for the assistance of the club to be here and I have every intention of repaying that faith from the club, the coaches and the president now I’m back. 

“It shows that the club do value me and value my input this season. Their assistance with getting me back for this game shows they think I can make a difference in the game.

“I might’ve lost a bit of my tan but I haven’t lost any of my fitness. I was doing my own program in Holland and, after training with the boys again, I definitely don’t feel off the pace.”

Hofmann said his long distance return for the match highlights the importance placed on the Westfield FFA Cup by clubs outside the Hyundai A-League.

“Every year the club is building and getting better in every aspect of football, both on and off the field,” he said.

“It also shows how the club has evolved and shows the importance of the FFA Cup and how far that has come as well. Every round moving forward is better exposure for the club.

“The more exposure the club gets then that has trickle down benefits for our juniors and for football in the community. That is very important.”

So if City win will he be back for a semi-final against a Hyundai A-League club next month?

“If we get the win then it will be highly likely we get an A-League side at home – an even bigger stage and even bigger exposure for the club,” Hofmann said

 “I’d love to be part of that but that’s something that will need to be discussed with the club if it comes up. But first we have to win on Wednesday night and that’s my focus at the moment.”