Melbourne Victory is pleased to announce the signing of Croatian goalkeeper Ivan Kelava for the 2021/22 A-League season.
Kelava will join the Club from Greek club, Xanthi FC, where he played under Tony Popovic and alongside Josh Brillante.
Victory A-League Head Coach, Tony Popovic, said Kelava will bring a wealth of experience to Melbourne Victory.
“Ivan has a real presence and brings great experience as a ‘keeper to our club,” Popovic said.
“He will be an important part of rebuilding a strong foundation for the team.”
Kelava is looking forward to joining the team in Melbourne and making an impact.
“I am excited to get the opportunity to play at Melbourne Victory for Tony Popovic and his team,” Kelava said.
“I know how the Boss operates and where he wants to take the Club and the squad, so it is a great opportunity for me to be a part of an exciting period of change.
“I have seen footage of the stadium and the fans and I am looking forward to playing both in front of them and for them.”
Between 2004 and 2010, Kelava was capped over 50 times for Croatia at various youth levels.
He won a total of 15 international caps for the Croatian Under-21 team since making his debut against Chile’s Under-20s.
Kelava was called up by Slaven Bilić in the Croatian squad for Euro 2012 and has made over 100 appearances for Dinamo Zagreb with whom he won six titles.
