Melbourne Victory have signed Chilean central defender Pablo Contreras as their international marquee player for the coming A-League season.
The 181cm 35-year-old has represented Chile 67 times, including twice at the 2010 World Cup.
Contreras’ club career includes stints at the top level in Chile, France, Spain, Portugal and Greece.
Most recently, he spent the 2012-13 season with Greek Super League champions Olympiakos, playing 17 matches including representing the club in the UEFA Champions League.
Victory coach Ange Postecoglou said he was excited about what Contreras could contribute.
“Pablo is a high quality central defender who will be an important part of our journey towards an A-League Championship, and, hopefully, our upcoming Asian Champions League campaign,” Postecoglou said.
Contreras will arrive in Melbourne on Monday night and is expected to train with the club for the first time on Tuesday.
The Victory’s season begins with a derby against Melbourne Heart, captained by former Victory star Harry Kewell, at Etihad Stadium on October 12.
Jukes
Guest
Mid, I saw a special that SBS did on both James Troisi and Chris Ikonomidis a few years back, both outstanding talents and just the type of talent that will light up the A-league. A great signing by MV.
Midfielder
Guest
OMG .... MV are now my No 2 team... I just love watching this kid play .... for yonks I have screamed why is he left out of Socceroos teams... If this kid plays like I have seem him the A-League is in for a treat .... I am over the moon to see Troisi in the A-League... MV and AU have scary looking squads ... on paper should finish 1 & 2 ...
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
@Bondy I can't keep up with his alternative usernames on The Roar. But, his writing style exposes him within a few postings.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
It's official MVFC has confirmed it "has signed James Troisi on a one-year loan deal". http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/melbournevictory/news-display/Talented-Troisi-joins-Melbourne-Victory/75645 From what I gather, with loan deals, the club that owns the player (Troisi is owned 50% by Juventus & 50% by Atalanta) continues to pay the majority of the player's wage; the club that hires the player on loan pays a smaller portion & provides training & playing opportunities.
Bondy
Guest
Fussball How many aliases does TC have ? I've got him posting currently up to three.
Kane Cassidy
Roar Guru
Here I am being diplomatic and you fire a shotgun shell like that, getting me in the spray. I know we haven't been as defensive minded as back in 09/10 but Pedj Boic looks to be a good signing and Jurman has some potential so I wouldn't count on our back linebeing a complete seive this season.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
@Tom Jones Attention to detail is paramount, if you're attempting a "gotcha" by quoting someone's comments. I said: "he will be the best defender the ALeague has ever seen in its 8 year history". From what I recall, you're an SydFC fan - who only started watching A-League last season - so I'm not surprised if you have scant knowledge about the history of A-league football. Looks like SydFC's defence will provide us all with a lot of entertainment this year.
Punter
Guest
Yeah, I don't know why MV didn't go for David Luiz or Sergi Ramos!!!! Give me a break!!!! I ain't no MV fan, but this is a good signing.
Kasey
Guest
another Adelaide kid who is dead to me;-) good pick up though. Our squad is full, its not like we could have signed him. I'm happy with the way AUs squad looks at this stage of the season.
Kasey
Guest
@Kane + Bondy I won't be laughing MBV off at all this season, Finkler returning is a big IN for them and this bloke looks like he can play a bit also, another strong season is on the cards for the Blue part of Melbourne IMO.
Kane Cassidy
Roar Guru
Obsessed much? The teams strength has everything to do with whether it will be a good signing. Go back to rugby league, honestly, stop following me around trying to nitpick at everything, you're just making yourself look bad.
Tom Jones
Guest
Another off the mark comment by Kane. What on earth does having a stronger base got to do with if its a good signing. Also further to fall. Not that its relevant. Oh yeah....you have a rivalry with MV.....HAHA!!!
Tom Jones
Guest
And as Franko predicts - Fussball guy types "best defender the A-League will ever see" AND it is 100% true if Heart had signed him it would be considered a laughing stock. Spot on. MV had a few rejections and franko points out they were possible free transfers.
robbo
Guest
Excellent signing. This guy is a quality defender and very composed on the ball. Enjoy it, Victory supporters.
Midfielder
Guest
Real I see the Byron Bay Rams home soccer supremacy with grand final win... http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-23/byron-soccer/4974886?section=sport
Midfielder
Guest
Most don't know who you are talking about ... hopefully will be back soon....
Towser
Guest
A-League transfers 2013-14 season. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-League_transfers_for_2013%E2%80%9314_season
Towser
Guest
James Troisi another good signing.This season will definitely be the best yet on the park.
steve
Guest
yes it is being reported elsewhere
Kane Cassidy
Roar Guru
Anyone hearing that James Troisi is signing for MVFC?