Wellington Phoenix have announced that forward David Ball has signed a contract extension with the club, which will keep him in the yellow and black until the end of the 2022/23 season.
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“I’m really excited to be at the Phoenix for another three years, it was an easy decision for me and the family, there’s plenty of reasons for wanting to be here – it’s a fantastic place to live, we’ve got friends for life here now and it feels like home.
In his first season with the Phoenix, 30-year-old Ball played a dominant role in the club’s historic third place finish. In 25 matches he scored six goals and contributed four assists, while also taking home both the Hyundai A-League Player of the Month Award for February and the Huawei Player of the Year Award.
Wellington Phoenix Head Coach, Ufuk Talay says that Ball has endeared himself to Nix fans with his entertaining play style and solid work-rate.
“We’re delighted that David has committed to the Phoenix for the next three years, he’s a key part of our squad and a fan favourite.
“We see him playing a prominent role with this club not only with his football ability, but also as a role model for the younger players to look up to – he’ll be one of our leaders next season and a focal point of our offense.
“David embodies everything that the Wellington Phoenix stands for – someone who is committed, works hard and is an ideal team-mate – and I’m excited to see how far he can take the Phoenix towards our goal of bringing home the A-League trophy.”
Ball says that he loves Wellington and is excited at the prospect of calling the capital home – even with the squad being based in New South Wales at the start of the 2020/21 season.
“I’m really excited to be at the Phoenix for another three years, it was an easy decision for me and the family, there’s plenty of reasons for wanting to be here – it’s a fantastic place to live, we’ve got friends for life here now and it feels like home.
“The people and fans have been fantastic – it’s a credit to the club how they’ve treated me and my family, that goes a long way for me.”
Ball says that what the club achieved on the pitch last season speaks for itself.
“I’ve had a season to understand the league and I know what I can bring to the team; a lot of people have seen what I can do, and I know there’s so much more still to come.
“I’ve enjoyed playing as a 10 up front and filling in wherever else coach needs me to, and while first and foremost I’m a team player, I’ve set some goals for myself next season to ensure we’re a successful team.”
Ball says that he is looking ahead to next season and his future with the Phoenix.
“We’ve got a really talented group here which I’m excited to be a part of, I want to create something special over these next three years.
“I feel I can also fill some of the void left by others leaving in terms of leadership, in terms of being a presence in the locker room and being open, honest and accountable.”
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