The Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed the surprising acquisition of Dimi Petratos on a one-season loan from Saudi Arabian club Al-Wehda, scoring 10 goals in 28 appearances last season.
Petratos’ return to Australia is a return to his hometown of Western Sydney, playing his junior football at various clubs in the region.
Over the course of his career Petratos has plied his trade for three A-League clubs over his career including Sydney FC, Brisbane Roar and the Newcastle Jets.
The 28-year-old also has three Socceroos caps to his name, as well as making the final 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Petratos expressed his excitement of returning home to play for his hometown club.
“It’s exciting (to sign for the Wanderers) because I get to represent the place where I grew up in,” said Petratos.
“I’ve always wanted to play for the Wanderers but always something else popped up. So now it’s finally time for me to play for the team where I grew up.
“I’m not coming back to just be with my family and be in a comfort zone. I’m coming back to work hard. I want to win titles. I want to win the Grand Final. I want to come back and help the team achieve that stuff.
“I’ll definitely have the support from my family. I’ve played once at Wanderland and they’ve built an amazing stadium and it was an exciting time when I played there.
“So I’m looking forward to that being my home ground and I can’t wait to get out there.”
Head coach Carl Robinson, who has made a number of superb acquisitions this off-season including Ramy Najjarine, Rhys Williams and Terry Antonias welcome Dimi to the fold at Western Sydney.
“Dimi has a great work ethic and understands what it takes to play in the A-League. He’s a naturally gifted footballer and will bring something special to our group of players which I am sure our fans and members will appreciate.
“We have a great deal of work to do, and we have a group that has grit and determination to get the job done on and off the pitch for this club.”
