Following weeks of speculation, rumours, an interview with a Serbian media outlet and more, the destination of Sydney FC legend Milos Ninkovic has been revealed.
Cross town rivals and Sydney FC arch rivals Western Sydney have signed the two-time Johnny Warren Medalist on a one-year deal with the club also agreeing on terms for Ninkovic to stay at the club for a minimum of two years following the completion of his playing career.
Ninkovic also won multiple A-League Championships and Premierships with Sydney FC, also plying his trade for the likes of Dynamo Kyiv, Red Star Belgrade and Evian.
The move represents and commences another chapter in the whirlwind journey and legacy of the Sydney Derby. With the Sky Blues retuning to Moore Park for the upcoming season, coupled with the loss of Ninkovic to their arch rivals, the animosity that presently exists between the two sets of supporters could be amplified this upcoming season.
Wanderers Head Coach Mark Rudan welcome Ninkovic to the club.
Milos has extensive knowledge of the domestic football landscape and has unrivalled experience having played in it for the last seven seasons,” said Rudan.
“He (Milos) is a winner and has big ambitions to continue that trend in his career so we are thrilled to have his influence in the playing group this season.”
“I am very excited to start a new chapter of my career in Western Sydney with the Wanderers and I am ready to embrace all the challenges that will come my way,” said Milos Ninkovic.
“I have decided to make the move as I have agreed terms with staying at the club for a minimum of two years once my playing career comes to an end. I have been in deep discussions with Chairman Mr Paul Lederer and head Mark Rudan and I will be part of the club for many years to come.
“I want to thank the Chairman and head coach Mark Rudan for the great respect and trust they have shown in me.
“Having played against the Wanderers for the last seven years of my career, I know that they are a very tough team and that they will always fight until the end, so I am excited to be part of building on that culture in the season to come.
“After speaking a lot with head coach Mark Rudan and the club’s football department, I was inspired by their vision of what they want this football club to represent on the field and the role that they can play off the field in the community.
“I hope that with my experience in the league I can have an impact on the next generation and help guide some of the younger players in the team this season.
“I look forward to meeting all my new teammates, staff, members and fans when I arrive in Western Sydney.”
