The Newcastle Jets have today re-signed central defender Ljubo Milicevic for another year, extending the former Qantas Socceroo’s stay in the Hunter until the conclusion of the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season.
The Newcastle Jets have today re-signed central defender Ljubo Milicevic for another year, extending the former Qantas Socceroo-s stay in the Hunter until the conclusion of the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season.
Milicevic has enjoyed cult hero status in Newcastle since joining the club prior to the AFC Champions League 2009 competition, and is arguably one of the most complete Australian players of his generation, able to dominate and control the defensive line at the back whilst possessing the technical ability to beat defenders with the ball at his feet.
Feeling at home in Newcastle was key in the 29-year-old-s decision to re-sign, and today the Melbourne-born defender spoke out for the first time since implementing a self-imposed media ban during last season.
“The boys, the club, and obviously the supporters and people around town made me feel really welcomed when I first arrived and so it didn-t take me too long to settle in and obviously I-ve made some good friends there, in and outside of the club.”
“So I-m enjoying my football there and hopefully with another year we can keep improving, or go one better and improve on what we achieved this year,” he explained.
Having played in the Swiss Super League between 2001-2007 for clubs such as FC Thun and BSC Young Boys, and having captained the Qantas Young Socceroos and Olyroos, Milicevic-s experience combined with that of the likes of former English Premier League star Michael Bridges, is sure to prove invaluable throughout the Jets- Hyundai A-League 2010/11 campaign.
However, it is Milicevic-s partnership with another of the Jets- stars, in fellow defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley, that has many Novocastrians excited about the forthcoming season.
“I think Nikolai had a great season, and with the help of either Ben Kennedy or Neil Young behind us and also the boys on the left and right side, hopefully we can strike up a good defence next season.”
“I-m very confident that we can have an even better year next year than we did last year,” said Milicevic.
With 6 caps for the Australian national team under his belt and with experience at the highest level of European club football through the UEFA Champions League, Milicevic is eager to return to action once again when the team resumes training on May 1.
“When we start our pre-season we-ll sit down and set our goals as a team and individually as well, but obviously you want to be improving every year individually and collectively as a team,” he said.
Milicevic-s signature punctuates a significant retention drive by the Jets, with the big defender becoming the ninth player to be re-signed by the Hunter-based club since October last year.
Newcastle Jets club memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season are now on sale. For more information visit the Membership page.
