Perth Glory is delighted to announce the signing of Socceroo Matthew Spiranovic.
The club fought off plenty of competition from around the Hyundai A-League and overseas to secure the services of the defender, who has signed a one-year deal.
Spiranovic is a high-profile addition to the squad having played 35 times for the Socceroos. The centre-back, who is also comfortable playing as a holding midfielder, was a crucial member of the 2015 Asian Cup winning side under Ange Postecoglou, with Spiranovic starting in the heart of the defence for the 2-1 extra-time win over South Korea in the Final.
The 29-year-old is a product of the Australian Institute of Sport, and after graduating from the program he was signed by Bundesliga side FC Nurnberg in 2007, where he went on to make 24 appearances during his four years at the club.
Spiranovic then made the move on loan to J-League heavyweights Urawa Red Diamonds, and after impressing during the 2010 campaign he penned a permanent deal.
After two seasons in the Japanese top flight, Spiranovic’s signature was being chased by a number of clubs around Europe, including the Premier League. He would go on to join Al Arabi in the Qatari league for the 2012-13 season before returning to Australia with Western Sydney Wanderers where he first worked under Tony Popovic.
Spiranovic enjoyed a highly successful couple of seasons in the Hyundai A-League with the Wanderers where he played a key role in taking the side to the Premiership in 2013 and leading the side to a famous Asian Champions League triumph in 2014.
Following 31 games for Western Sydney, Spiranovic earned a lucrative transfer to Chinese Super League side Hangzhou Greentown where he made 49 appearances between 2015-17 before heading West to Perth Glory.
“I’m really happy to have signed with Perth Glory, it’s great to be back in Australia playing football,” Spiranovic said. “It’s fair to say Popovic has had a big influence on my decision to come to the club, he’s a fantastic coach with a winning mentality.”
“It’s a new challenge, this club has a rich history and I’m going to help this team in any way I can to bring success back to Perth.”
Football Director Jacob Burns believes this is a major coup for the club.
“Spiranovic brings a lot of class and composure to the side, he’s someone that is very comfortable on the ball both in defence and midfield,” Burns added. “He has a fantastic pedigree having been involved with the Socceroos since 2008 and is another quality acquisition to the team.”
We have this week begun our 2018/19 Membership Campaign and we urge you to re-join the club! Our focus this season is to strive to deliver success for you, our most deserved members.
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