New Zealander Marco Rojas has revealed that despite numerous offers for his services, Melbourne Victory was always his preferred destination away from Europe.
Speaking exclusively on the Daily Football Show, the 24-year-old confirmed that his management team and Kevin Muscat were in talks once it was clear the winger was not in the plans of new Vfb Stuttgart manager, Jos Luhukay.
“We spoke to Victory a few times, spoke to Musky (Kevin Muscat) a few times. We were always leaning towards there. It happened quickly after I was released from Stuttgart because we were already in talks about those kinds of things,” Rojas said.
“We talked quite a bit. There were other destinations, but I preferred to come here.”
The Kiwi also stated that he has unfinished business away from Australasia, after injury and circumstance cut his European adventure short. When asked whether he still harbours long-term ambitions abroad, he said: “Of course, but I just have to take it one step at a time. I have to perform well while I’m here, in both seasons that I’m signed for and just see what happens from there.”
The New Zealand international was a revelation in his first spell in Melbourne, quickly establishing himself as a fan favourite with scintillating displays of speed, guile and breathtaking goals.
Then 22-years-old, Rojas earned a move to Bundesliga outfit Vfb Stuttgart, but was injured shortly after arriving and never truly found his feet. His parent club opted to ship the Kiwi out on loan to Gruether Furth, which yielded similar results, before revitalising his stint in Europe with Swiss club FC Thun.
Rojas scored a breakaway goal in last week’s behind closed doors friendly win over Sydney FC at AAMI Park, and should feature in Melbourne Victory’s FFA Cup clash against Bentleigh Greens on September 27 at Kingston Heath Reserve.
The A-League season gets underway with Muscat’s side travelling to Suncorp Stadium to face Brisbane Roar.
Troisi > Rojas > ⚽️@gomvfc fans…get excited for the season ahead! pic.twitter.com/J9lsrigKyu
— Outside90 (@Outside90) September 7, 2016
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