Nicolas Milanovic is hopeful of earning a maiden Subway Socceroos call-up as the Western Sydney Wanderers forward eyes big things in 2024-25.
Milanovic is set to spearhead Western Sydney in the Isuzu UTE A-League this season after turning down offers from Europe to remain with the Wanderers.
The 22-year-old star was linked with a move away after earning the club’s Golden Boot while he was also named the Wanderers’ Media Player of the Year and Members’ Player of the Year.
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“There were offers there but I felt the timing wasn’t right,” Milanovic told 10 News.
“I want to go one more year here and I want to win something for the club.
“I’ve been a boyhood fan, a boyhood player and I want to be a leader for the team to get some silverware.”
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Milanovic scored a career-high nine goals last season and the Australia Under-23 international has set his sights on a Socceroos call-up this term.
A-Leagues great Tony Popovic is the new head coach following Graham Arnold’s resignation.
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“Definitely one of my goals for this season I think,” Milanovic said when asked about his Socceroos dream.
“I want to keep doing what I do and as long as I’m healthy and fit, I think I can hopefully get into that squad.”
Western Sydney – three-time runners-up – failed to qualify for the 2023-24 Finals Series.
The Wanderers have not reached the Grand Final since 2015-16, while they have only finished in the top six twice in the past eight seasons.
But they have been active this off-season, making a splash with the arrival of Spanish superstar Juan Mata.
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“I think the refresh is a good thing with new staff, new players, new names and faces,” said Milanovic.
“We have some big names. Obviously Juan has come in and he’s changed the standards.
“When you bring a name like that in, everyone wants to compete.”
