Sydney FC are proud to announce that Hyundai A-League 2010 Championship winning attacking midfielder and fan favourite Karol Kisel will return to the club for the 2011/12 season.
Sydney FC are proud to announce that Hyundai A-League 2010 Championship winning attacking midfielder and fan favourite Karol Kisel will return to the club for the 2011/12 season.
Kisel, who endeared himself to the Sydney FC faithful with his flair, passion and skill, was an integral member of the Sky Blues Premiership and Championship winning team in 2009/10, and after a season with Czech giants Slavia Prague, makes his much anticipated return to the Harbour city.
Click here to see Karol’s message to the fans.
The former Slovakian international played 29 games for Sydney FC in 2009/10, scoring three goals including a memorable long range strike in the Sky Blues epic 2-0 win over rivals Melbourne Victory at the Sydney Football Stadium on 14 February 2010 to seal the Premiership.
He also scored in Sydney FC-s penalty shootout Grand Final triumph over the Victory several weeks later.
“I am very excited to be coming back to Sydney FC. Sydney FC is the club of my heart,” Kisel said.
“My season there in 2009/10 was amazing for me and the club. I have so many special memories of that year and made many good friends so to be returning is fantastic for me.
“My family and I love the club and the city is beautiful. We feel very comfortable there and it such a magical place to live.
“I have stayed in touch with some people from the club, including Vitja, and I always feel part of Sydney FC.
“This season has been tough on everyone but I am excited about coming back and I want to help lead the team to more success.
“I had a good year this year in Prague and also finished off my studies so coming to Sydney caps off a great time in my life.”
Sydney FC Vice-Chairman Scott Barlow said the return of Kisel is the first signing in the clubs focus on strengthening its squad for the upcoming A-League season.
“Karol showed how good of a footballer he is when he was with us in our Championship winning season in 2009/10. He was an integral part of why we had the success we did,” Barlow said.
“He has speed, flair and plays with passion. That makes him the perfect fit for our club.
“His play combined with the talents of the likes of Dimitri Petratos, Terry Antonis and Nicky Carle really does create for some exciting and attacking football in 2011/12.”
Kisel quickly became a crowd favourite with the Sydney FC faithful through his passionate and emotional style of play.
“I love the fans of Sydney FC. They made me feel so welcome when I arrived and we shared some special times with each other and I will do whatever I can to get us both to those places again,” Kisel said.
“I do miss the Sydney Football Stadium and the noise of the Sydney fans. Like I said, I am very excited and happy to be coming back to Sydney and Sydney FC. I can-t return quick enough.”
