Greece international Panagiotis Kone has become Western Melbourne Group’s first international marquee player ahead of the club’s maiden Hyundai A-League campaign.
Kone, 31, is a former Bologna club captain and Serie A veteran of 160 matches who starred for Greece in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, helping the side to the knockout stages before their elimination to Costa Rica.
The Albanian-born attacking midfielder has represented his country 28 times and was nominated for the 2013 FIFA Puskas Award for an amazing bicycle kick he scored for Bologna against Napoli.
Most recently, Kone played for Serie A’s Udinese.
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“Our club has made a huge statement by signing Panagiotis Kone as our inaugural marquee player,” said Western Melbourne Group’s Football Director and former Socceroo Steve Horvat.
“Panagiotis has played at the highest level and represented his country at a World Cup in Brazil. He’s an attacker who will get the fans off their seats.
“He brings genuine quality to our club and the league and has an international profile which will boost our club’s reputation globally.
“What’s more, he speaks good English, and is a real character who our fans and the entire community of western Melbourne will love seeing represent them in the A-League.
“This signing shows how serious we are about building a strong squad for our first season in the A-League and we cannot wait for Panagiotis to arrive and get started.”
Kone said he was excited to arrive in Melbourne and play a key role in the new club’s maiden Hyundai A-League campaign.
“I am looking forward to playing a big part for Western Melbourne on and off the field,” said Kone.
“I am excited to meet my new teammates but also the great Greek community in Melbourne.”
