New Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Michael Petkovic is excited about the prospect of continuing his stellar career in his home country.
The 33-year old has returned to Australia (where he excelled with the South Melbourne Hellas) to sign a one-year deal with the Victory after eight years in Turkey with Trabzonspor and Sivasspor and is looking forward a new challenge in a fast-developing football environment.
"It's great to be back in Melbourne after a long stint overseas. I had 6 fantastic seasons at South Melbourne in the old NSL and was lucky enough to win 2 Championships," Petkovic said.
"While I had plenty of great times in Europe, I'm really excited by the prospect of playing in the A-League with Melbourne Victory. The footballing landscape in this country has changed considerably over the past decade and I'm looking forward to pressing my case to be the clubs first choice keeper."
Victory chairman Geoff Lord said the inclusion of Petkovic into the playing group was definitely a positive move.
"We're thrilled to have Michael join the club," Lord said.
"Having played club football in Turkey and Norway for such a long time and being a capped Qantas Socceroo, he is no doubt going to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the club.
"But it's also worth noting that he has had an esteemed career in Melbourne previously - playing for South Melbourne Hellas and being named in their Team of the Century. In light of this, he'll be well and truly familiar to Melbourne football fans and we look forward to the impact he will have with Melbourne Victory next season."
