Alex Rufer signed a contract extension with Wellington Phoenix and the captain has one thing on his mind: “I want to win something here”.
Rufer has renewed for another three seasons, which will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign.
The 26-year-old is in his 10th season with the ‘Nix, where the Wellington-based club have not progressed beyond the Elimination Finals during his time.
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But, Ufuk Talay’s Phoenix are flying high this season – fifth in the standings and still in the mix for a top-two finish ahead of Saturday’s showdown against Melbourne Victory.
“I love this club and I want to win something here,” Rufer said.
“I’ve been at the Phoenix for many years now and I’ve grown from a young boy into a man.
“I’ve learnt so much here, played with some amazing players and I’m really happy in Wellington.
“I’m really looking forward to the next three years. I think it’s important to have that security so I can worry about playing my best football, and I believe that’s still to come.”
Rufer scored his first ever Isuzu UTE A-League goal this season, in what was his 107th appearance.
It came after the New Zealand international had made his comeback from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in March last year.
He was recalled by the All Whites last week and he started the first of two internationals against China.
“Rufs is part of the fabric of the Wellington Phoenix,” Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill said.
“He’s not only a great leader, but he’s the linchpin of the men’s midfield.
“Rufs has been through great highs and lows, both personally and with the club, over the past decade, and has shown incredible resilience to come back from serious injuries on two occasions.
“It was a priority to secure his signature and we are delighted he is going to be sticking around for another three years.”
