Wellington Phoenix star David Ball has signed a two-year contract extension at the Isuzu UTE A-League club.
It’s shaping up to be a busy off-season for the Phoenix, who have said goodbye to stars Reno Piscopo, Jaushua Sotirio, Gael Sandoval and Gary Hooper, as well as James McGarry, Matthew Bozinovski, Kurtis Mogg and George Ott.
But Ball has handed the Phoenix a big boost, with the popular 32-year-old English striker re-signing in Wellington until 2025.
“I love the club and I’ve loved playing in Wellington so it makes sense for me to stay and continue on as long as I can,” said Ball, who joined the ‘Nix in 2019 and is eyeing a New Zealand citizenship.
“There are good people throughout the club and that’s hard to find in football.
“Obviously I wanted to commit to the Phoenix and the club wanted to commit to me as well so for both parties it was perfect.
“We’ve been through a lot together and it’s a good commitment from both sides.”
The Phoenix have reached the finals in two of Ball’s three seasons in Wellington – the club fell to Western United in this month’s Elimination Final at AAMI Park.
Ball has made 78 appearances for the ‘Nix, though only 14 of them have come in New Zealand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since arriving, the former Manchester City product has scored 14 goals as a Phoenix player, including two this term.
“The current crop of Phoenix players are special and I want to be a part of it for many years to come,” he said.
“Ever since the manager walked through the door he’s been amazing to play for and I’ve loved working under him and Chiefy (assistant coach Giancarlo Italiano).
“We’ve obviously done fantastically well over the last couple of years playing away from home and if we can get back to normality, we’ll have a good chance for success.”
Wellington head coach Ufuk Talay added: “The back end of the season he was playing with injections in his toe and it shows how committed he is towards the club and how committed he is towards the club trying to have success.
“He’s a great character, he’s got a good head on his shoulders and he’s a family man as well which coaches love too.
“It’s great that the club is continuing with him and the way he’s going he’ll end up being a Phoenix legend.”
