Melbourne Victory midfielder Oliver Bozanic believes his side has all the key ingredients to win a second consecutive A-League premiership.
After his time with Swiss side FC Luzern the star man revealed he still had the option of continuing in Switzerland or at another club in Europe, but decided it was best to come back home to reignite his career.
“At the time I still had options to stay in Europe, also with Luzern as well, I wanted to take a new opportunity and a new step in my career,” Bozanic said.
“I was very fortunate to have a successful spell at the Mariners and then went over to Switzerland and did well there.
“[Also] to play in the world cup as well and be involved in the Socceroos, which has really helped my career so it’s been a great few years.
“Victory offered me a chance, I was very happy to come to Victory and be a part of it. I wanted to come to a club that was successful, that is always reaching for the best and Victory is that club and that was my decision behind it.”
It was a fitting week for Australian football, celebrating 10 years since Australia ended their 32 year World Cup drought against Uruguay to head to Germany in 2006.
Bozanic who partook in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, attended the famous qualifying game against Uruguay in 2005 and revealed he never would have dreamed playing for the national team eight years later.
“I was actually in the stadium, it was one of the most memorable nights I’ve ever had, I was sitting in the top left corner behind the goal where we scored the final penalty” he said.
“I think I broke my actual seat about five minutes into the game, so that was pretty special, I was that excited to be at the game and be a part of it.”
The 26-year-old was not selected for the national squad to take on Kyrgyzstan and Bangladesh. Bozanic was not necessarily forgotten by Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou, missing out on the Asian Cup in January due to a back injury which he picked up in the lead up to the tournament.
The explosive midfielder was adamant it would be through performing well and asserting himself for his club, that he would be once again back wearing the Green and Gold for his country.
“My focus is here at Melbourne Victory and performing every week, being part of a successful team,” he said.
“I’m hoping by the team being successful and via myself being successful, I’ll have every opportunity to be a part of the Socceroos again.”
Bozanic returns to face his former A-League club Central Coast at AAMI Park on Thursday night, the star man had tasted silverware with the Mariners in 2013 and was convinced Victory had all the key ingredients win the premiership in the 2015-16 season.
“It’s another game for us and it’s exciting to play against my old club as well, we had some very good memories there but all our focus is on our next couple of days in training and leading into the game,” he said.
“I believe we have all the key ingredients, it’s through hard work, everyday we’re working to be the best team we can be and nothing has changed and that’s what we’ll have to continue to do if we want to be the best.”
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