Adelaide United Football Club is delighted to announce that young Adelaide goalkeeper Paul Izzo has signed a two-year contract extension.
The 20-year-old has always been a solid back up for Club Captain Eugene Galekovic and stepped up this season while Galekovic was with the Asian Cup Squad.
Although his Captain will still be first choice goalkeeper, Izzo conceded that he has to work harder this year in Adelaide regardless if another club was to come calling.
“The three appearances I have made this year have really given me a taste of it (Hyundai A-League football) again,” he said.
“I didn’t play at all last year but making these appearances here and there have made me hungrier and I want to strive for more.
“I know that I need to keep working and better my game so that if I do get called up or need to come on, I’m always 100 percent ready.”
Izzo said that signing for the Reds was always going to be his first choice.
“The team environment is so great here that I couldn’t picture myself anywhere else,” he said.
“Everyone is so close and so friendly, I couldn’t say anything bad about anyone in and around the club.”
He also credited the work of his coaches Josep Gombau, Michael Valkanis and Peter Blazincic for his development so far, and knows that they are the main people who are going to further his career.
Head Coach Josep Gombau says the Club is delighted to be able to keep Izzo for an extended period.
“For us it’s important to keep all the players we have, and Izzo is a big part of the team, and he is one for the future of this club,” said Gombau.
“He is a very good goalkeeper and works very hard, both on and off the field. He has also proved his ability and capacity as a keeper, which he did in the games he’s played this season.
“We are so happy to keep him here with us because of the environment that has been created by the club. It also speaks volumes for the work being done by Peter Blazincic in producing some outstanding goalkeeper talent.”
Izzo, a product of the Campbelltown City Soccer Club was selected to be a part of the the AIS program before signing his first professional contract with the Reds.
He has made 7 appearances for the Reds and has represented the Young Socceroos 12 times and says he has hopes first of making the Olyroos, and then of course the Socceroos one day.
