It was on the cusp of turning 40 that Ante Covic achieved what he calls the “highlight” of his football career.The veteran ‘keeper won an Asian Champions League (ACL) medal and was voted player of the 2014 ACL tournament. Until then the Perth Glory recruit had thought he’d achieved just about everything there was in the world game; being part of the Socceroos squad at the World Cup in Germany, and not to mention a Hyundai A-League Championship in 2007.
So what’s left now for the custodian who moved west to re-ignite a career which had already taken him to the lofty heights of the game in Greece and Sweden?
“It was a great opportunity and a new direction in my career. I’m really excited about what we can do. I’ve still got a lot to give to this game” he said.
“Playing for the Socceroos that was my highlight then but now this takes the cake (winning the ACL) and for it to come so late in my career, who’s to say there’s nothing more ahead for myself and for Perth Glory”.
Covic said a brief chat with Kenny Lowe was all it took to move across the Nullarbor.
“I love Kenny Lowe’s drive and his ambition for the club and I was in a positive frame of mind after speaking to him and I know that it’s a club that wants to do well”.
Covic says acquiring the taste of success keeps the fire burning in his belly to the point he wants to keep on winning.
“I want to achieve things. I love to win, I’m a sore loser and that’s what keeps me going to be the best”.
It’s a mentality which keeps him young at heart and in pristine condition and helps him deflect suggestions about retirement.
“As long as my body’s fine, as long as I’ve got the passion and the drive for the sport that I love and as long as I know that I’m going out on that field doing the best for myself and my team mates and that’s replicated in the belief in me, I don’t even question retirement….When the time comes you know but right now I’m sick of hearing that question…it’s almost offensive” he joked.
Covic has now joined his team mates at Glory for pre-season training and is expected to be part of the sqaud set to take on his old club, the Wanderers, in the Westfield FFA Cup quarter final clash at Dorrien Gardens (home of Perth Soccer Club) on September 29.
Members who renewed before the July 15 deadline will be granted free entry to the match.
Ticketing and price information for the general public will be announced on September 10.
The match will kick-off at 6.30pm and will be streamed live on www.foxsports.com.au/football/ffa-cup/ffacupondemand and Apple TV via FOX SPORTS Now.
#WestvsRest
