Osama Malik has hailed Tony Popovic as the best manager in the country after penning a three-year deal with Perth Glory on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old – who has enjoyed Hyundai A-League spells with Adelaide United, North Queensland Fury and Melbourne City – played for Saudi Arabian club Al-Batin earlier this year.
INS AND OUTS: Perth Glory
But the opportunity to return to Australia and play under Perth boss Popovic was one too good to refuse for the former Croydon Kings junior.
“For me, Tony Popovic is the best manager in the country and someone that I’ve wanted to work under for a while,” he told the club website.
“So I’m very happy to be here and can’t wait to get started.
Malik's on board!
Glory snap up another key new recruit…
Full story here: https://t.co/KYVAL2AArh@ALeague #OneGlory pic.twitter.com/3cVnndw5xX— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) August 5, 2019
“Perth Glory were the benchmark of the competition last year and there is a very talented squad here.”
A host of Australian and overseas clubs were on the prowl for Malik’s signature, according to Perth Football Director Jacob Burns.
“Osama is a player that we have admired and tracked for some time and we are thrilled to now have him on board,” he said.
“He’s a ball-playing defender who can operate anywhere across the backline or in a defensive midfield role and he also brings plenty of experience.
“As well as being a proven performer in the A-League, he also has experience of the Asian Champions League which will prove invaluable when we make our bow in that competition next year.”
