Matthew Spiranovic has today inked a new two-season deal with the NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers that will keep him in Red & Black until at least the end of the 2015/16 season.
Matthew Spiranovic has today inked a new two-season deal with the NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers that will keep him in Red & Black until at least the end of the 2015/16 season.
Following a stand-out debut season with the Wanderers, culminating in Socceroos World Cup selection, Spiranovic made the decision to continue his career in Australia and will be a driving force for the Club-s upcoming Hyundai A-League, AFC Champions League and Westfield FFA Cup campaigns.
Following his initial signing in October 2013 Spiranovic has played 18 times this season in the Hyundai A-League, including one goal scored in this season-s Grand Final, as well as making five crucial appearances in the ACL in both the centre of defence and central midfield.
Spiranovic said his decision to re-sign with the Wanderers was first and foremost a football decision.
“Coming back to Australia and signing for the Wanderers was definitely the right football decision for me,” said Spiranovic.
“I had other options overseas and in Australia but what swayed me was the culture that Popa has installed at the Club. Not even a year has passed and Popa and his staff have me back to full fitness for the first time in a couple years.
“While clubs from Europe & Asia were calling, as a player, you always want to be playing in the big games against the best teams. By signing with the Wanderers I know I will get the opportunity to do that and continue to improve my football.
“The Club, the fans and this playing environment has been fantastic for me and I look forward to the opportunities in front of us.”
Capped 17 times for the Socceroos since his debut in 2008, Spira will be pressing his claim to compete in his first FIFA World Cup in Brazil after being named in Ange Postecoglou-s preliminary 30-man squad on Wednesday.
Matthew Spiranovic
Born: 27-Jun-88, Geelong
Height/Weight: 193cm/88kg
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Australian national team: 17 appearances [2008-2014]
Other Australian representative honours:
U-17 – 2005 FIFA U-17 World Cup (Peru)
U-20 – 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign qualifiers
U-23 – 2008 Olympic Games (Beijing)
Junior clubs: North Geelong, Keilor Park, Melbourne Knights
Senior club career:
Season Club Country Level Apps Goals Position
2004 North Geelong Australia (Vic)
2004/05 Vic Institute of Sport
2005 Melbourne Victory Australia
2006 Australian Institute of Sport
2006/07 Nurnberg Germany
2007/08 Nurnberg Germany
2008/09 Nurnberg Germany
2009/10 Nurnberg Germany
2010 Urawa Red Diamonds Japan
2011 Urawa Red Diamonds Japan
2012 Urawa Red Diamonds Japan
2012/13 Al Arabi Qatar
2013/14 Western Sydney Wanderers Australia
