Perth Glory’s defensive stocks have been bolstered with veteran Dino Djulbic signing a new one-year deal with the club.
After sustaining a knee injury in last season’s Grand Final, the 36-year-old hadn’t finalised a new deal for the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Season.
But having returned to full fitness with the club’s medical staff throughout the pre-season, Djulbic has inked a new deal with the defending Premiers.
“It means a lot to re-sign for another season,” Djulbic told the club’s official website.
“It’s a very exciting time to be at Glory; we’ve got our first Asian Champions League campaign, which is a massive achievement for the club and I know the boys can’t wait to put their best foot forward in the competition.
“To win the Premiership last season was huge. It’s why we play and this is why I’m here; to make this club successful.
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The one and only @DinoDjulbic has signed on for more Glory!
Full story here: https://t.co/fuJzSyyfkZ
@ALeague #OneGlory pic.twitter.com/LFldTrrqAh— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) October 1, 2019
“With the boss [Tony Popovic] here I know we can achieve more success and that’s why I wanted to continue to be a part of this club.
“There’s nothing better than playing in front of our home fans. When you’re playing at HBF Park and you’ve got the Glory fans in purple singing and chanting, it’s an amazing feeling and I can’t wait to experience that again this season.”
Djulbic has clocked up more than 100 appearances for Glory in three stints in the west, debuting in 2007.
After 27 appearances in two seasons, he headed to Germany to sign for Rot Weiss Ahlen before returning to Australia to join Gold Coast United.
Spells in China and the UAE followed ahead of a second stint with Glory, this time lasting three seasons.
And after plying his trade in Malaysia with Felda United and back in the Hyundai A-League at Melbourne Victory, Djulbic began his third spell with the club in 2018 and was an influential figure in their Premiership success last season.
“It’s great to have Dino at the club for another season after playing such a vital role in our Premiership win,” CEO Tony Pignata said.
“He’s a cult hero for a reason; he puts his body on the line for the badge and I can’t wait for that to continue this season.”
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