Refugee footballer Hakeem Al-Araibi touched down in Melbourne on Tuesday after spending more than two months in a Bangkok prison.
Dozens of supporters were at Tullamarine Airport to meet him, holding signs and banners.
"I would like to say thanks to Australia. It's amazing to see all of the people here," Mr Al-Araibi told the crowd.
"This is my country ... I love Australia," he said.
An emotional Craig Foster, who had tirelessly campaigned for Mr Al-Araibi's cause, said "I'm very proud of Australia".
"What's occurred over the last almost three months, to fight incredibly hard for not just a young player who virtually no-one knew, but a refugee who was under our protection ... speaks volumes about the character, the values and the pride that we have as Australians."
Supporters of Hakeem Al-Araibi wait for his arrival.
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On Monday, the Thai attorney-general's office confirmed the extradition case against Mr Al-Araibi had been dropped and he would be free to return to Australia.
However, Bahrain's foreign ministry said the government will be maintaining the criminal conviction against him and intends to keep open its other legal options.
Mr Al-Araibi boarded a Bangkok flight on Monday night, arriving in Melbourne just after 1pm.
Hakeem Al-Araibi arrives in Melbourne.
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