He might not be everyone’s cup of Albanian raki, but it is hard to argue with the impact of Besart Berisha since he joined the Brisbane Roar in August.
He might not be everyone’s cup of Albanian raki, but it is hard to argue with the impact of Besart Berisha since he joined the Brisbane Roar in August.
His 13 goals have him leading the league’s scoring charts, four clear of his nearest challenger.
While he has also made headlines for separate after-match altercations with Sydney FC defender Pascal Bosschaart and team-mate James Meyer, the announcement on Wednesday of a new two-year deal with the reigning champions came as little surprise.
Put plainly, Berisha is the goalscorer the Brisbane Roar need.
Love him or loathe him, he is also the sort of character the Hyundai A-League cannot do without.
Berisha’s career has taken in stints in Germany, Denmark, England and Norway and 17 caps with Albania, yet he is just 26.
It has not taken him long to find a home in Brisbane.
“I’ve played at high level and at small level in Europe but the most I’ve ever enjoyed my football is here now in Brisbane so there’s no reason to change anything,” Berisha said upon the announcement of his new deal.
“Everything around me – the team is amazing, the club is fantastic and professional, the staff as well … it’s just a pleasure to work here.”
Berisha wasted little time in endearing himself to the Roar faithful, scoring in his second match for the club.
With a work-rate to match his ever-present danger around goal, his cult status among the Den was confirmed by Week 4, when he scored four goals in the 7-1 smashing of Adelaide United.
It is also the enigmatic forward’s passion – even occasionally misplaced – that impresses coach Ange Postecoglou, who revealed to The Courier Mail that the club had to beat away the interest of several rival clubs.
“He’s passionate about his football, he’s passionate about the club and his team-mates – that’s one of his strengths and that’s one of the things we like having around the place,” the Roar coach said.
Berisha’s passion does not seem to be limited to the pitch, either.
Knowing wife Sumea and young son Amar are settled in Brisbane was crucial, as was the pure enjoyment of his football with the Roar.
“In the end, I just followed my heart and went with what my heart said,” Berisha said.
“From the first day, the team made me feel welcome and in the end, it’s important not to look at what other clubs offer you, it’s important to be somewhere you have fun and of course, I have a lot of enjoyment in Brisbane.”
“I really feel well – I’ve found friends, I’ve found people who really care for other people and especially the team, we really stick together and it’s really a pleasure to be here.”
