Adelaide United have officially unveiled Mate Dugandzic as a Red, with the club’s new no.17 eager to impress after signing a one-year deal.
After agreeing to join the Reds for their Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season, Mate Dugandzic was today unveiled as an Adelaide United player, expressing his happiness to have signed for the club.
“I’m really excited to be at Adelaide United and I’m looking forward to being apart of this great football club,” Dugandzic said.
“There was interest from a couple of other clubs, but I wasn’t interested in them like I was with Adelaide. Once I heard of United’s interest I didn’t want to talk to anyone else.
“(This is a fresh start for me), obviously a new city and a new team after being at Melbourne City for the last four years.
“I’ve never moved out of Melbourne (before now) so it’s going to be interesting, but I’m really looking forward to it.”
Commenting on his decision to join Adelaide, Dugandzic said he spoke to some current Reds about the culture of the club and what he should expect; also clearly stating the club’s style of football was pivotal in his move to South Australia.
“I’ve spoken with Eli (Babalj) and Eugene (Galekovic) and they both said that there’s a fantastic culture at the club and that the team is great,” Dugandzic explained.
“The football that Adelaide played last year was the main reason why I’ve decided to come here. It’s an attractive brand of football and the team was successful with it, winning the FFA Cup.
“Being at the club I want to help defend our FFA Cup title and with the A-League, the team did extremely well last season but I’m sure we can do even better this time.
“I’m going to try and bring my experience (to the squad) and try and provide as many attacking options as I possibly can.”
The club’s CEOr, Michael Petrillo, stated the acquisition of Dugandzic was one that was highly sought after, with United’s head coach, Guillermo Amor eager to bring the winger to Coopers Stadium.
“Mate was one of our primary targets when we started looking at a replacement for Awer Mabil and Guillermo was very sure that Mate was his preferred candidate,” Petrillo said.
“After a little bit of negotiating we’re obviously very pleased to have been able to secure Mate for at least one season and we’ll see what happens after that.”
Amor added that he has full confidence in Dugandzic’s abilities and knows he will be a crucial player throughout the team’s new domestic season, but also for the Westfield FFA Cup and AFC Champions League.
“We know Mate is a good player who’s a very hard worker and a dedicated professional. His head is always in his position and this if very important for a player.
“We’re sure that he will be a very important player for us this season and we’re happy he has decided to become part of our club.”
