Berisha shows love for Australia after history-making club debut

A-LEAGUE ROUND 2

A-LEAGUE record scorer Besart Berisha lavished praise on his adopted country while declaring pride in his latest history-making feat.

The moment may have occurred across the Ditch, but Berisha’s trademark predatory finish will go down in the record books as Western United’s first A-League goal.

Berisha, 34, slotted home from Josh Risdon’s cross to secure a 1-0 win for United

“It’s pretty special. I remember coming to Australia for seven months (signing a shortterm deal with Brisbane Roar in 2011). It’s my eighth year here now,” Berisha said.

“It feels like Australia is so good to me. This is why I came. I’m really happy to be back (after a stint in Japan).

“Western United just works for me. I love being here. It’s a great challenge. It’s exciting.

“Being the first player to score the first goal for the club and to start the season with a win is a privilege.”

Berisha admitted it was crucial to open the season with a win, ahead of the club’s first home game at GMHBA Stadium.

Western United hosts reigning premier Perth Glory, which conceded late to draw 1-1 with Robbie Fowler’s Brisbane Roar on Sunday.

“It was a very important win. We’re a new club and this team desperately needs a good start to build momentum and togetherness,” Berisha said.

“It’s a new team, we feel we’re a great bunch of boys, very experienced. We rely on each other. That was a great picture (of the players celebrating in the changerooms).

“First tough game far away, tough trip and the way we fight together was exactly what we needed for the start of the season to build momentum and show the fighting spirit.

“Hopefully that gives us more confidence and motivation to grow as team.”

Berisha praised coach Mark Rudan, who copped it from the Wellington faithful who unfurled a banner reading: “One Thief, Three Traitors” in reference to him and players Andrew Durante, Max Burgess and Filip Kurto who left Phoenix to join the expansion club.

“The messages were clear. Not everything will work perfectly, but what was most important was to be a team,” Berisha said. “It’s amazing how quick a team can work together and work for each other.

“Mark did very well, we’re going in one direction. Because as a new team, when things aren’t working, everyone can go in different directions.”