Tony Popovic has made the first major signing since becoming new Perth Glory coach, securing the signature of Spanish maestro Diego Castro for another season.
Convincing the 34-year-old to remain in Perth was one of Popovic’s main priorities and he’s done just that, with the club confirming on Friday Castro had signed a new deal.
Castro puts pen to paper; el Maestro is back for season 2018/19! pic.twitter.com/6pLnMIS2Lf
— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) May 25, 2018
Castro, who has been voted Glory’s Player of the Season twice, is currently enjoying an off-season break in Spain but will return for a full pre-season in the west.
He’s also likely to be involved in the club’s high-profile friendly against English Premier League giants Chelsea at Optus Stadium in July.
“I’m so happy, my family too, to come back here for another year,” Castro told the Glory website.
“It’s clear what is the goal, the goal is to win the trophy.
“I want to be a part of this new challenge and this is the main motivation of why I stay here.”
Glory now have 12 players signed for next season as Popovic attempts to rebuild the squad to push for a return to the Finals Series in 2018/19.
Castro joined Perth Glory as a marquee player in 2015 and went on to win the Johnny Warren Medal as the Hyundai A-League’s best player in his first season.
Prior to joining Glory, Castro spent his entire career in Spain playing for the likes of La Liga clubs Malaga and Sporting Gijon.
He made 22 appearances in the 2017/18 Season, scoring seven goals and providing five assists.
