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.
