Dutch midfielder Victor Sikora has indicated his desire to remain with Perth Glory next season despite attracting attention from American Major League Soccer (MLS) club FC Dallas.
Dutch midfielder Victor Sikora has indicated his desire to remain with Perth Glory next season despite attracting attention from American Major League Soccer (MLS) club FC Dallas.
In another boost for the Hyundai A-League’s standing in world football, following Jason Culina’s move to the Gold Coast and Robbie Fowler’s interest in joining North Queensland, Sikora said he wants to stay on at the Glory if Coach Dave Mitchell wants him for next season.
The former Ajax and Netherlands international said that after playing on loan with Dallas at the end of last season, the club had been non-committal about re-signing him following a knee injury the 30-year-old received in his second MLS match, which kept him out for three weeks.
And Dallas’ loss may be the Glory’s gain if Sikora can build on the solid form he’s displayed since making his Perth debut in the Boxing Day clash with Adelaide.
“I prefer Perth,” was Sikora’s direct answer when asked whether a new deal being offered by Dallas would sway him to return to Texas.
“I was on loan (to Dallas), they brought me in for the last six games, with an option for another three years,” he explained.
“And I get an injury, so I miss three games, four games, and they said, ‘we want you to stay here but we didn’t see enough of you, so we don’t pick up the (extra three-year) option but after a few weeks we’ll come back to you ‘.
“So, they ring one-and-a-half weeks ago, (saying) that they want to re-sign me, but if Perth say we want you here (then I’ll stay).”
Sikora has been yet another successful import brought to the club by Mitchell this season, the tenacious attacker coming in as a replacement for injured Brazilian playmaker Amaral.
After arriving just prior to Christmas Sikora has been a significant contributor on and off the pitch. His infectious personality has been a hit with team mates and fans while his experience and class in matches has drawn plenty of praise from Perth-s coaching staff.
“I give everything the last four games and I think I did a good job,” Sikora said.
“I think they (the Glory) already know what they want and I think after the last game, they will come back to me and say what they want and then we will figure something out maybe.”
Sikora, a native of the Dutch provincial town of Deventer, said that after several years playing in Holland with Eredivisie clubs like Ajax and most recently NAC Breda, it was time for a change.
“I played for 15 years in Holland and I saw every stadium inside and outside,” Sikora said.
“I heard from so many friends of mine that played abroad, ‘Victor if you’re going to do it, do it now ’cause when you finish your career, you will regret it yourself if you didn’t’.
“There came along a few clubs in Spain and France but I don’t speak French and I don’t speak Spanish and Dallas came along and it was an easy choice.
“I met Dave last year and he wanted to bring me to Perth then but it didn-t work out. When the opportunity came up this time around I was very happy to take it and I have really enjoyed my time here. I-m hoping I can be part of the club for the next few years,” Sikora said.
