In a testament of faith, the team from the Black Forest pushed ahead with signing Borrello from relegated 2.Bundesliga Kaiserslautern, even though he was in the midst of recovering from the devastating effects of a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
The ex-Brisbane Roar flyer - who scored three goals in 19 appearances before injuring his right knee in training in April - is bidding to repay that belief, and expecting to be game ready by the end of the year.
Borrello, 23, was incredibly back jogging just three months post surgery and his sense of excitement at joining a club renowned for nurturing and blooding young talent is palpable.
“They knew what I’m going through right now is quite tough, but they’ve placed a lot of trust and confidence in me to get back out on the pitch and perform for them like I did for Kaiserslautern,” said Borrello, who was on course for FIFA World Cup selection before fate intervened.
“I’ve met the coach (Christian Streich) and he’s a very passionate person. Their belief in me gives me a lot of confidence.
“Freiburg remind me of Brisbane Roar in some respects. The boys are really together and I think that’s helped them a lot.
“They’re a team that doesn’t rely on individual brilliance. They have a lot of character, which is why they stayed up last season after finding themselves in a difficult position (at the wrong end of the table).
“It’s an exciting team to go to and it’s a good fit for me. I’m hoping to be match fit by Christmas time and to be playing games would be great.
“Hopefully I’ll be back in training with the team in late October.”
With the AFC Asian Cup looming in January, Australia’s defense of the trophy in the UAE might present a testing deadline for Borrello.
But the uncapped winger, who made a huge impact in his debut season in Germany, can’t be discounted as he pushes through the barriers en route to his return.
“The hunger to play for Australia at the top level is something that’s there,” he said.
“I really felt like I had an opportunity to make an impression for the World Cup after the season I was having at Kaiserslautern before the disappointment with the injury.
“But I’ve picked myself up and I’m working hard so it (playing for Australia) is definitely something I want to get to. But for now it’s just step-by-step.”
Borrello is following a trail to the Bundesliga blazed by the likes of Mathew Leckie, Robbie Kruse and Mitch Langerak.
“I think Australians who have played in the Bundesliga have done great things for our reputation and hopefully that carries some weight for me,” Borrello added.
“I’m at a club which offers me a great next step in my career. It was a bit iffy at the start because with such a big injury you never know where the future lies.
“But I was lucky with Freiburg who have stuck by me.
“I’m just hoping to go and make a name for myself now.”
