Brisbane Roar legend Thomas Broich remains open to playing on beyond this season in the Hyundai A-League, and will hold off on contract talks until the end of this campaign, he says.
According to a report in the Courier Mail Newspaper on Monday, the German is in no rush to sort out his playing future beyond the 2016/17 Season and has hinted he’s open to playing another season.
Broich – who turns 36 later this month, and in the final year of his contract – will hold talks once Roar’s season is done.
“Eventually we have to sit down and talk it all through because it’s a transition phase for the club as well,” Broich told the Courier Mail.
“We have to still be a little bit patient before we make that call. There’s no pressure. If at the end of the season I feel like playing one more year and they want me here for one more season, we’ll just do that.
“I’m at a stage in my career where I just take it day by day…it’s not like I’m 27 fighting for a new deal. I’m in a really comfortable place.”
Hyundai A-League talking points: Round 15
Broich has been with Roar since the 2011/12 Season, winning three championships and two Johnny Warren Medals as the Hyundai A-League’s best player.
He has featured in all 15 matches so far this season, although has been used as a substitute in four games, including Friday night’s 3-2 loss to Melbourne Victory.
He admitted that retirement has crossed his mind at times but there’s also times when he feels “surprisingly fit” and keen to play on.
“I’m hardly ever injured, so I say to myself ‘Why not keep playing?’, but ultimately for me it’s about vision, about what we can still achieve together at this club,” Broich said.
“We have a really good relationship and I’ve got a lot to contribute on and off the park. I can see myself involved in the club in whatever role in the future.”
If Broich does take up the option of a new deal next season, he’ll no longer be one of the club’s marquee players with Brett Holman and Tommy Oar to fill those slots in the 2017/18 Season.
But that’s no concern to the former German under-21 international.
“I’m very fond of the club and what we’ve created here means a lot to me,” Broich said.
“You hear me talk about the brand of football, the club we want to be, I’ve never had anything like that in football. It just means the world to me.”
Roar have lost their last three games in the Hyundai A-League and will hope to get their season back on track when they travel to Wellington to face Phoenix on Saturday.
