Stefan Mauk admits the opportunity to come home and play in a system built on an attacking philosophy convinced him to return to Adelaide United.
Mauk will remain with his hometown team until the end of the Hyundai A-League 2021/22 season after penning a two-and-a-half-year contract.
The midfielder first signed with the Reds back in January 2016 and helped orchestrate an incredible title run which produced a Premiership and Championship double.
He said after speaking with Director of Football, Bruce Djite, he had no hesitation about reuniting with Adelaide.
“Four years ago I joined the Club and obviously we had a really good period and won the Championship,” Mauk told reporters at his official unveiling.
“When I got approached and spoke to Bruce (Djite) and I know the direction of the Club is going in a really good way, I’m just excited to join the Club again.”
The 24-year-old’s first stint with Adelaide only lasted six months after he was acquired by Dutch Eredivisie side, NEC Nijmegen ahead of the 2016/17 season.
Mauk like a man… actually, Mauk like this exact man 🚶♂️@StefanMauk we'll stop… soon 😬 pic.twitter.com/imrNm1fIMo
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) January 31, 2020
After being limited to three first-team appearances in the Netherlands, Mauk then spent a year on loan at Melbourne City, scoring six goals, before securing a permanent switch to Brisbane Roar.
Mauk said he was determined to get his career back on track after a couple of challenging seasons, believing Adelaide’s free-flowing style best suits his game and would allow him to flourish.
“I’ve probably had a couple of tough years and that’s football, you have your ups and downs,” he admitted.
“And I think that’s why at this point in my career it’s really important to play and be part of a team that’s playing a really exciting style of football.
“And being a viewer especially over the last couple of weeks really watching Adelaide. They score goals and that’s important and it’s exciting, and that’s something I wanted to be a part of and hopefully for the rest of the season and the next two seasons to come.”
Mauk is expected to be available for selection for the Reds’ Round 18 game next weekend, ironically against Brisbane Roar in Brisbane.
Adelaide United host Melbourne City in Round 17 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Saturday, 1 February at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Gates open at 6.00pm. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
