Throwback Thursday: Pablo Contreras

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 melbournevictory.com.au is taking a look back at some of the players that have featured for the club over the past 15 years. Today, we profile Pablo Contreras.

Chilean international Pablo Contreras signed for Melbourne Victory from Greek giants Olympiacos ahead of the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season.

The then 35-year-old central defender arrived with great pedigree, having played at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and in the UEFA Champions League for a number of clubs.

Manager Ange Postecoglou certainly expected big things.

“We are thrilled to welcome Pablo to Melbourne Victory and there’s great excitement around what he can bring to the club,” Postecoglou said.

“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 AFC Champions League campaign.”

After a slow start, Contreras began to show the class that prompted Victory to sign him in the first place.

He would make 20 appearances during the 2013/14 season, before announcing his retirement.

“My body is tired [and retirement] is knocking on the door, so I’ll see how the league ends, hopefully in the best way, but my career is in its last moment,” he said in an interview with Chilean radio.

“I shall not pass beyond two or three months. I’m just thankful for everything I’ve experienced.”

WATCH: Victory pays tribute to Contreras