Chilean international Maria Jose Rojas will return to Canberra United for the 2023-24 Liberty A-League season.
Rojas first burst onto the scene in the A-Leagues at the side from the capital in 2018, before playing for the likes of Adelaide United, Sydney FC and most recently – Melbourne City over the last five years.
The 43-time Chilean international said she’s looking forward to returning to where her A-Leagues career began.
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“I am so excited to be coming back to Canberra to play for Canberra United once more and to continue my playing career here in Australia,” Rojas said.
“I have many happy memories of my season with the club back in 2018, playing at McKellar Park in front of the passionate and loud supporters, those fans who are such a tremendous boost to the playing group.
“The Liberty A-League is a wonderful competition, and I am looking forward to starting training with the club, and to help the team be successful.”
The 35-year-old striker has played all over the world, plying her trade in Germany, the United States, Japan, Lithuania and the Czech Republic, along with making appearances in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and FIFA Women’s World Cup for Chile.
Rojas enjoyed a solid stint at City last season, scoring five goals and tallying two assists in 11 appearances for the club, and even scored against Canberra at Seiffert Oval in Queanbeyan.
She also won the Liberty A-League Fan Player of the Year at the 2023 Dolan Warren Awards.
Now, she’s set to forge a potent attacking partnership alongside all-time leading Liberty A-League goalscorer Michelle Heyman when the new season kicks off in just over a month’s time.
“We are extremely happy to welcome Maria back to Canberra United for the new Liberty A-League season,” Canberra United head coach Njegosh Popovich said.
“Her ability is without question. She has terrific movement, can dribble well with the ball, has great vision, can create chances for others, and has the enviable knack of being able to score goals as well.
“Not only does she bring those qualities with her, but the experience also gained at international level and playing abroad will be a huge asset to our young group who can learn from her professionalism and attitude to the game.
“I am looking forward to Maria joining up with the squad and making a welcome return to McKellar Park.”
Rojas is the club’s third new signing this off-season, joining Tegan Bertolissio and Ruby Nathan as their latest arrivals.
Canberra kick-off their season on the road against Adelaide United on Sunday October 15 at Coopers Stadium.
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