As Hakeem Al-Araibi touched down in Melbourne on Tuesday, his biggest advocate used the moment to shine a light on how Australia treats refugees.
Former Socceroo Craig Foster, who tirelessly campaigned for Mr Al-Araibi's freedom, tweeted on Tuesday morning a statement reacting to the 25-year-old's unexpected release from Thai detention.
Foster thanked Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne for going "above and beyond" in their efforts to free Mr Al-Araibi.
"Now, I’m calling on Scott and Marise to commit to more humane policies for all the 'Hakeems' who come into Australia’s care," he said.
"Our nation has a big heart, we saw just how big in the past few months, and we need to carry this compassion forward. Every person who we, Thailand or any other country, mistreat is one too many. Australia must do better than we have in recent years."
Hakeem Al-Araibi arrives in Melbourne. Source: Getty
He said Australia’s record on refugees "requires revision".
"Australia needs to look at how we treat every human being that comes to these shores, irrespective of how they arrive."
Supporters of Hakeem Al-Araibi wait for his arrival. Source: Getty
An emotional Foster flew to Melbourne on Tuesday to meet Mr Al-Araibi after he landed.
The pair exited the airport together to dozens of cheering supports.
"What's occurred over the last few 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," Foster told the crowd.
Mr Al-Araibi was detained at Bangkok airport on November 27 when he arrived with his wife for their honeymoon.
Mr Al-Araibi fled Bahrain in 2014, was granted refugee status by Australia and plays soccer for semi-professional Melbourne club Pascoe Vale.
