Wellington Phoenix have announced the signing of forward Mirza Muratovic to a one-year contract with the club.
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“Wellington’s always been a club that strives to be in the top tier of the league, their success last year is a good indication of a club that wants to be in the Finals every year – so I’m just happy to be a part of it next season.
20-year-old Muratovic joins the Phoenix after accepting a scholarship to the FFA Centre of Excellence in 2016, scoring 20 goals over 30 appearances in their National Youth League team. After joining the Brisbane Roar youth team, he would go on to make 40 appearances for the Young Roar in 2018, scoring 21 goals for their Y-League championship-winning side.
Muratovic made his professional debut for the Brisbane Roar on 28 December 2019, playing 13 matches – including seven starts – scoring two goals and earning two assists. He was named in the A-League Team of the Week in Round 13, after providing a crucial assist on the game-winning goal in Brisbane’s 2-1 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Wellington Phoenix Head Coach, Ufuk Talay says that Muratovic is a quality young striker who has the skills to be impactful next season.
“We’re fortunate to have a young attacking player of Mirza’s ability on board, he’s got a lot of upside and has shown an ability to keep calm under pressure and to score goals at crucial moments during matches.
“We’re looking forward to seeing him with the team at training this week; he’ll get opportunities this season to earn minutes and to continue growing as a player.”
Muratovic says that from watching the Phoenix last season he knows they are a “hard-working, well-structured team” that plays an exciting style of football.
“Wellington’s always been a club that strives to be in the top tier of the league, their success last year is a good indication of a club that wants to be in the Finals every year – so I’m just happy to be a part of it next season.
“I see myself as an attacking player, either as a striker or an attacking midfielder, so while scoring goals and setting up goals is a focus for me, it’s more about working hard off and on the ball and being able to contribute to the team.
“I’m going to try my best to work hard and fit my way into the squad and help them succeed.”
Muratovic attended his first training session in Wollongong on Monday, where he reunited with a pair of familiar faces in Matt Ridenton and Luke DeVere.
“I know Matt from last season in Brisbane and also Luke [DeVere] from him being with the Roar in the past.
“Luke is obviously an older figure, he’s a big voice in the team and tells you a lot – even in my first training session he was talking to me, explaining to me, so it’s a very big help to know him from my Brisbane days.
“The more I spend time, the better I’ll get to know the players, so that’ll help me on and off the field.”
Muratovic will continue training with the Phoenix team in Wollongong for their three-week preseason camp, as the squad prepares for the A-League season launch on 27 December 2020.
