Sydney FC have re-signed striker Shane Smeltz on a new two year contract, the club announced today.
Smeltz joined the Sky Blues at the start of last season and scored eight goals in 21 appearances, starting in nine of those games.
He will remain with Sydney FC until the end of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season and is happy to be staying on board.
“I’m thrilled and excited to be staying with Sydney for another two seasons and I’m looking forward to seeing this squad build on what has been a successful year,” the New Zealand international striker said.
“It’s well known that I had other offers on the table but my aim is to win trophies and I believe with the squad this club is putting together for next season, I have the best chance of winning something here.
“With the Asian Champions League coming up, another FFA Cup run and a fresh crack at the A-League it’s going to be an enthralling season.
“I’m pleased to be working with Arnie, the coaching staff and the other players for another two years as well.
“It’s going to be a very exciting couple of years and I’m very happy I’ll be a part of it.”
Having already re-signed Senegalese Internationals Mickael Tavares and Jacques Faty for next season, and added youngsters Andrew Hoole and Brandon O’Neill to the squad, Head Coach Graham Arnold said he was feeling extremely positive about the future.
“Shane is a top quality striker and a first class goal-scorer and I’m delighted he has agreed to stay with the club,” he said.
“We are in the process of building something big here at Sydney FC and with the prospects of Asian Champion League football coming here next season, it’s already beginning to feel exciting.”
“Shane had a difficult 12 months before he came to us but has progressed well over this year and we believe he is now back to his best.”
Smeltz is the Hyundai A-League’s second all-time leading goal-scorer having scored 85 goals in his eight year career. He has played 51 times for his country scoring 23 times.
He has won the Johnny Warren Medal for the Hyundai A-League’s best player once and the A-League Golden Boot twice.
Sydney FC take on English Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur in a football classic at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 30 May. Purchase your tickets today for this not to be missed football event!
