Perth Glory is delighted to announce the signing of Socceroo Ivan Franjic.
The club saw off plenty of competition to secure the signature of the versatile defender, who has penned a two-year deal.
Franjic is a hugely experienced player, having made 20 appearances for Australia, including in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, as well as the 2015 Asian Cup where he collected a winners’ medal after Ange Postecoglou’s side defeated South Korea in the Final.
At club level, Franjic was an integral member of the record-breaking Brisbane Roar side that claimed back-to-back Hyundai A-League Championships in 2010-11 and 2011-12, while also taking out the title in 2013-14 and Premiership in 2010-11 and 2013-14.
His performances throughout his 115 appearances with Roar earned him a move to Europe, where he signed for Russian Premier League outfit Torpedo Moscow.
The Melbourne-born player, who is comfortable on either side of the defence, returned to the Hyundai A-League in 2015 with Melbourne City and was named in the PFA A-League Team of the Decade that year.
Following his stint with City, Franjic signed with Roar for the most recent campaign where he scored twice in 16 games as he helped John Aloisi’s side reach the finals.
The 30-year-old can’t wait to get going in Perth and said “I’m truly excited for the new challenge.”
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say my goal was to win silverware for this club,” Franjic stated. “I believe that with Popovic and the players already signed that we can win the whole thing.”
“I’ll bring experience to the defence and I’m always a team player. I think with a full pre-season people will see the best of me here at Perth.”
Franjic noted that Tony Popovic played a key role in the deal after a very encouraging call.
“The Gaffer made me feel really welcome and explained to me the challenges ahead and it’s something I’m looking forward to. I’m always looking to better myself and I think he can help a lot in that regard, so working with him will be something special for me.”
Further player announcements are expected in the very near future as Popovic continues to build the squad.
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