New Zealand international Kosta Barbarouses will make a welcome return to the Hyundai A-League, after signing a three-year-deal with Melbourne Victory.
New Zealand international Kosta Barbarouses will make a welcome return to the Hyundai A-League, after signing a three-year-deal with Melbourne Victory.
The 23-year-old forward was the leading scorer in Ange Postecoglou’s all-conquering, championship winning Brisbane Roar side in 2010/11 and is currently an integral part of the New Zealand national team as it looks to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Barbarouses joins Victory after he was released from the final year of his contract with Russian National Football League side FC Alania, however the Kiwi spent last season playing in Greece after securing a loan spell with Super League side, Panathinaikos.
Coach Ange Postecoglou said he was looking forward to working with Barbarouses again in 2013/14.
“We are delighted to have Kosta on board with us at Melbourne Victory and he will add even more attacking flair to our team this season,” said Postecoglou.
“Kosta has plenty of pace, great technical ability and is a proven scorer, having netted 12 goals the last time he played in the A-League.”
“While he-s only 23, he has made over 50 appearances at Brisbane Roar and Wellington Phoenix, so he-s certainly aware of what is required to perform at this level, and I know he-s excited to be returning to the A-League.”
Barbarouses will link up with his new Melbourne Victory teammates on Monday.
BIO: Kosta Barbarouses
D.O.B: February 19, 1990 (age 23)
Country of birth: New Zealand
Position: Winger/Striker
A-League appearances: 54 (33 with Brisbane Roar, 21 with Wellington Phoenix)
A-League goals: 14
Senior international appearances: 22
Senior international goals: 2
