Sydney FC have completed the signing of Serbian international striker Ranko Despotovic until the end of the season.
Sydney FC have completed the signing of Serbian international striker Ranko Despotovic until the end of the season.
The 1.86 metre forward played for Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds last season and has represented clubs in the top leagues in Serbia and Romania. He also spent three seasons scoring goals in the Spanish second division and was in the Serbian team which drew 0-0 with the Socceroos at Etihad Stadium in June 2011.
The 30 year old free agent will link up with his new team mates next week and could make his debut against the Wellington Phoenix at Allianz Stadium on Saturday 23rd November.
“I-m very excited at the prospect of joining Sydney FC,” said the striker.
“I-ve been training regularly in Serbia and I-m looking forward to getting started.
“I-ve played against the Socceroos and heard a lot about the Hyundai A-League and what a good competition it is. I-ve also spoken to Nikola (Petkovic) and heard excellent things about Sydney FC and the direction the club is headed.”
The addition will provide a boost to Frank Farina-s attacking stocks and the Head Coach believes the Serbian will complement his current strikeforce.
“We are very happy to be able to add another quality striker to our squad,” he said.
“Ranko has a good pedigree, he can score goals and his height will give us a different attacking option.
“He will also add some extra experience to our front line.”
Despotovic-s signing comes as Sydney FC-s Members, players and fans head into Saturday night-s ‘Big Blue- against Melbourne Victory at Allianz Stadium (kick off 7.45pm) with another bumper crowd expected.
Get in quick – there’s only one more sleep until the first clash against Melbourne Victory (Saturday 9 November) – and head to Ticketek to start saving.
It-s cheaper to pre-purchase your ticket and you get public transport to the game included in the price.
