Melbourne Victory has extended the contract of prolific marquee striker Besart Berisha, re-signing the Albanian international until 2018.
Berisha, who has scored 63 goals and won three Championships in 110 Hyundai A-League appearances, will remain at Melbourne Victory at least until the end of the 2017/18 season.
The star striker joined Melbourne Victory from Brisbane Roar last year, scoring 15 goals and winning the Hyundai A-League Premiership-Championship double in his debut season at the club.
Making the announcement at the club’s Victory in Business Luncheon, proudly presented by AGL, on Wednesday, Melbourne Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro said Berisha adds a great deal to the values of the club.
“We remain in awe of Besart’s passion, determination and drive to succeed and these attributes significantly add to the positive and success-driven culture at our football club,” Di Pietro said.
Melbourne Victory head coach Kevin Muscat said securing Berisha’s signature for another two seasons is testament to the environment built at the club.
“It is a priority at Melbourne Victory to create an environment at the club that when players arrive, we offer a second-to-none experience, we do what we can to encourage them to stay and Besart’s re-commitment to the club vindicates that,” Muscat said.
“The impact Bes has made on and off the pitch since he arrived at the club has been significant and we are thrilled and excited that he has committed to continue his playing career at Victory.”
With 25 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions for Melbourne Victory, including 10 goals in 10 matches already this season, Berisha said he feels honoured to be staying at the club.
“Melbourne Victory is a great club in all areas and I feel privileged to be a player at such a successful and professional club,” Berisha said.
“The club enjoyed the ultimate success last season and I, along with all the coaches and players, feel there is so much more to achieve, so I am very excited to be at the club for two more seasons to do what I can to help the club win more trophies.
“We have a great squad, full of depth and talented youth, so the future is bright and I am very excited about this season and beyond at Melbourne Victory.”
