Phoenix sign Australian international
Australian forward Dario Vidosic will link up with his father in the upcoming A-league season, signing a one-year deal with the Wellington Phoenix.
His father, Rado, is the team’s assistant coach this season under head coach Darije Kalezic, and Vidosic said he was keen to play under their system.
‘‘[Kalezic] has such a great football background in Holland, it’s a style of football that I’ve been searching for for a while. I’m just excited about learning under him – I’m only 30 so still always eager to learn.’’
Vidosic, who has 23 caps for Australia to his name, joins the side having most recently played in Korea, and said there were a number of teams interested in acquiring his services.
‘‘When my contract [in Korea] finished up I got a lot of calls from agents, several A-league clubs were keen, there was also a chance to stay in Korea. But I thought the best place for me would be here, to enjoy my football again and just to play with a smile on my face.’’
The 30-year-old is a welltravelled and experienced forward, having scored 24 goals in 96 appearances during stints with the Brisbane Roar, Adelaide United and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Vidosic burst on to the A-league scene as a 19-year-old with Brisbane in 2006 before being snapped up by German Bundesliga side FC Nurnberg, spending four seasons in the top two divisions in Germany between 2007-2011 before returning home with Adelaide.
He departed the Reds in 2013 to take up a contract in Switzerland before returning to the A-league to play for the Wanderers from 2015 before moving on to a contract in China and finally Korea.
‘‘I’m pretty hungry for success, keen to be a force, not just a number in the league.’’
With his son joining the Phoenix, Rado said it brought more than just a sense of pride to him.
‘‘Dario has great versatility, he has played as striker, as a number 10, he gives us important flexibility in our front third. He is very calm under pressure, good on the ball, a good passer, a good provider, and we hope he’ll contribute with goals as well.’’