Brisbane Roar have re-signed six high profile players, with star midfielder Thomas Broich signing a four-year extension.
Brisbane Roar have re-signed six high profile players, with star midfielder Thomas Broich signing a four-year extension.
Vice-captain Shane Stefanutto, goalkeeper Michael Theo, Brazilian import Henrique and versatile defender Ivan Franjic have also committed their futures to the back-to-back champions, in a welcome boost to Rado Vidosic’s pre-season preparations.
Veteran defender Stefanutto has signed a one year extension, taking him to the end of the 2013/14 season, while captain Matt Smith, Henrique, who has just applied for Australian permanent residency, and Franjic have signed for an additional three years until 2015/16 season.
Reigning Hyundai A-League Johnny Warren medallist Broich and three-time Hyundai A-League Goalkeeper of the Year Michael Theo have signed massive four-year extensions and will play for Brisbane Roar until at least the end of the 2016/17 campaign.
“I-m extremely happy to re-sign with Brisbane,” Smith said.
“One of the big things when talking to the club was discussing the vision the management has for the team and it was very reassuring to know they wanted to keep us together.
“There have been opportunities not just for me but for the other players, here in Australia and overseas, but what we are trying to create is worth more than money.
“We want to create that legacy and keep building on it and that was a key part of my decision to stay in Brisbane.
“We don-t want to rest on what we-ve accomplished over the past two years, we want to keep pushing and set more benchmarks in the league.”
Vidosic, who has been with the club since the inaugural Hyundai A-League season, said he was overwhelmed at the magnitude of the re-signings.
“This is a great day for Brisbane Roar,” Vidosic said.
“The re-signings of these six Championship-winning players gives us a fantastic base to work from for further success and also gives us stability for the future.
“These players are excellent role models for younger players and with their guidance, we hope to develop the next generation of Brisbane Roar champions.”
