CommBank Socceroos defender Milos Degenek says his aim is to move to the Isuzu UTE A-League before his career comes to a close.
The 31-year-old centre-back is currently on Socceroos duty in the United States as Tony Popovic’s side prepare to face Venezuela and Colombia in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
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Currently plying his trade for Serbian Super Liga side FK TSC Backa Topola, Degenek has long been linked with a move to Australia, but has instead opted for a series of moves which have seen him play for the likes of Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade, Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal as well as Columbus Crew in MLS.
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However, despite turning down Australian overtures in the past, Degenek admitted the Isuzu UTE A-League is somewhere he would love to experience playing before calling it a day.
“I’ve had opportunities, obviously,” said Degenek when speaking to journalists ahead of the Socceroos’ clash with Venezuela on Saturday.
“Recently, when I moved from Red Star to another club in Serbia, I had the opportunity to come to Australia.
“I just thought to myself, you know, I’d like to stay in Europe a little bit longer, test myself and see what happens. But down the road, I’m open to it.”
He continued: “I’m open to it as long as the league’s run properly, as long as things are done right, as long as you know, the league keeps growing.
“And hopefully not just for my sake, but for football in Australia, and for the sake of kids who are 12,13, 15,18, that the game grows and attracts more.
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“You see the A-League, a lot of the boys from the Socceroos now have come through the A-League. So it’s, it’s a very, very good league in terms of that.
“It’s valuable for Australian football and I’d like to see myself there, eventually, down the road.
“When that time comes, I’m not sure, but I’m sure my wife and my kids would probably love to see Australia as well.”
