In yet another sign of their ambitions Melbourne City FC has signed Slovenian midfielder Robert Koren as the club’s international marquee on a two-year deal.
Koren, 33, joins from English Premier League club Hull City, where he was club captain during the 2013/14 Premiership Season.
Koren, who captained Slovenia at the 2010 World Cup, will fill the Club’s international marquee position and fourth international spot in Melbourne City FC’s squad.
Koren joins the Club’s most recent international signing Damien Duff who also signed for Melbourne City FC directly out of the Premier League, from London club Fulham.
An imaginative and attacking midfielder, Koren’s energy and guile from midfield have seen him star on both the international stage and at the highest levels of club football.
Koren met with City’s football department while the team was in Manchester on a 17-day pre-season tour.
“We have been looking for the right player – and person – to fill our marquee position and Robert ticks all of the boxes,” Brian Marwood, Managing Director, City Football Services, said.
“Robert is an impressive footballer who has had great experience at the top level in England and we’re excited about what he will bring to Melbourne City FC.
“We’ve brought Robert to Melbourne to use his experience and class to help contribute to the team; he’s a natural leader, his resume in the UK speaks volumes and he’s a team player both on and off the pitch.”
Head Coach John van’t Schip said: “Robert is someone who we feel can add something extra to the team and can help us get to the next level.
“He is a team player who we believe will contribute well and help our entire squad reach their full potential and help deliver results.”
Koren will commence training with his new teammates at La Trobe University on Monday and will wear the number 10 shirt this season.
Permanent playing squad signed for 2014/15 to date (19 players): James Brown, Connor Chapman, Damien Duff, Mate Dugandzic, Ben Garuccio, Jonatan Germano, Jason Hoffman, Nick Kalmar, Patrick Kisnorbo, Robert Koren , Stefan Mauk, Jacob Melling, Aaron Mooy, Massimo Murdocca, Iain Ramsay, Andrew Redmayne, Tando Velaphi, Robbie Wielaert, David Williams
Player Details
Robert Koren
DOB: 20 September 1980 (age 33)
Place of birth: Radlje ob Dravi, Slovenia
Position: Midfielder
Appearances :
Club
Dravograd (Slovenia) [1996-2001] (129 apps, 17 goals)
Celje (Slovenia) [2001-2004] (78, 22)
Lillestrom (Norway) [2004-2007] (75, 19)
West Bromwich Albion (England) [2007-2010] (129, 16)
Hull City (England) [2010-2014] (143, 28)
International
Slovenia [2003-2012] (61, 5)
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