An emotional Besart Berisha has thanked his teammates, coaches and family after the Melbourne Victory striker became the first player to reach 100 Hyundai A-League goals on Friday night.
The competition’s all-time leading scorer brought up the century with the only goal in Victory’s 1-0 win over Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park, ending a three-game winless run in the process.
“I’m so thankful to everyone, all the players, all the coaches who believed in me and gave me a chance in Australia,” Berisha told Fox Sports.
Bes hits ton as Victory beats Mariners
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“When I came to Australia I really wanted to work hard. I had a tough time in Europe.
“I have to thank my family, it’s been really tough for them too – a lot of sacrifices. They’ve been the ones who have pushed me all the time.
“It’s been a little bit emotional but I’m very, very happy I’ve achieved these 100 goals.
“I’m so thankful I decided to come to this country.”
Berisha’s 79th minute winner was also enough to recapture outright ownership of the Golden Boot race, but the Kosovo international admitted only one milestone had been on his mind.
“You don’t have this [opportunity] many times in your career,” the 31-year-old said.
“I will work harder because that’s me, that’s the way I am and that’s the way I play this game. But I was a little nervous scoring this goal.”
