Melbourne Victory today announces that Qantas Socceroo defender, Mark Milligan, will join the club on loan until the end of the Hyundai A-League season, subject to an International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Melbourne Victory today announces that Qantas Socceroo defender, Mark Milligan, will join the club on loan until the end of the Hyundai A-League season, subject to an International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Milligan returns to the Hyundai A-League for a second time after initially representing Sydney FC (2005-08) and Newcastle Jets (2008/09), before the twelve-time Socceroo headed to Chinese club, Shanghai Shenhua, and then moved on to current club, JEF United, in Japan-s J-League 2.
The 26 year-old said, “The Japanese season has finished up now, so rather than have an extended break, I was really keen to get back to the A-League and Melbourne Victory was a very attractive option for me.”
“Playing overseas really heightens your interest in the domestic game back home, so I-ve been keeping a close eye on the A-League since I moved away a few years ago, and I-m really excited to be back until the end of the season.”
“Hopefully I can help get the club-s season back-on-track. The Melbourne Victory fans are the most passionate in the country so it will be great to play in front of them again, only this time as a Victory player,” Milligan added.
Melbourne Victory Coach, Jim Magilton, is eager to see the former Olyroos captain in action, “Mark brings a great deal of experience and quality to the squad and we-re delighted to have him for the rest of the season.“
“He-s a versatile player and can do a number of different jobs, so I expect him to be a real asset to the team.“
“While we have an array of attacking options, we felt it was imperative to bring in a player like Mark to strengthen our defensive set-up,” Magilton added.
In further player movement news, Melbourne Victory can also confirm that it has come to a financial settlement with former marquee-man, Ricardinho, thus freeing up a visa spot on the clubs list.
