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Veteran former South Melbourne and Socceroos goalkeeper Michael Petkovic says he is fulfilling a dream by joining A-League club Melbourne Victory.
The 33-year-old has signed a one-year contract with last season’s losing grand finalists.
After eight years playing in Turkey, the six-time Socceroo returns to the city where he made his name in six seasons with South Melbourne in the old National Soccer League.
That stint included two championships and he was three times named the league’s goalkeeper of the season.
Petkovic said he had long planned to finish his playing days back in Australia’s domestic league.
“I started my professional career in Melbourne and to finish my professional career in Melbourne would be something that I’ve probably always dreamed of doing,” he said on Wednesday.
“Melbourne Victory gave me that opportunity and I’m grateful for that.”
Petkovic said he had kept a close eye on the A-League during his time in Turkey and knew he was returning to a better competition than the one he left in 2002, both on and off-field.
“You just look at the (AAMI Park) stadium here now and the support that Melbourne get, it’s changed an awful lot to when I was playing NSL, it’s changed hugely and it’s great to see,” Petkovic said.
Petkovic, whose most recent Socceroos appearance was against China in Sydney in 2008, said Victory appealed because they could help him end his career on a high.
“I’d like to win another trophy and Melbourne Victory is probably one of the biggest clubs and the best club to give me that opportunity.”
The Victory needed a new keeper after talented youngster Mitch Langerak, who finished last season as their preferred option in goal, was signed by German club Borussia Dortmund in May.
Petkovic, who had his final season in Turkey restricted by shoulder and wrist injuries, will be vying with New Zealand international Glen Moss for the No.1 berth.
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