Melbourne Victory today announced that inspirational Captain, Kevin Muscat will play on in season 2010/11.
Melbourne Victory today announced that inspirational Captain, Kevin Muscat will play on in season 2010/11.
Muscat has led the club since the Hyundai A-League-s inception in 2005/2006 and next season will be his sixth in a Melbourne Victory shirt.
The 36 year-old has represented the club in the Hyundai A-League on 101 occasions, winning two premierships and two championships along the way. Muscat has also won the Victory medal twice, as the clubs fairest and best player.
Despite turning 37 in August, an evergreen Muscat was delighted to have signed on for another season. “I-m absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the club for a sixth season successive season. With our new home at AAMI Park finally complete – 2010/11 is going to be an exciting year for the club”.
“The body feels great and if I had any concerns I couldn-t make it through another campaign I would-ve hung-up the boots. While I had an early hiccup last season, I still played 23 A-League games” he added.
“I-m hopeful that next season we can win some more silverware and who knows, if I feel as good as I do now, I may even play on – anything is possible”.
“When I first returned from England, I wasn-t sure I-d get through two Hyundai A-League seasons, let alone the 5 I-ve completed to date”.
Melbourne Victory Football Operations Manager, Gary Cole heaped praise onto the former Socceroo “Kevin is the ultimate professional and despite being in the twilight of his career, we believe he still has plenty to offer”.
“He leads from the front, wears his heart on his sleeve and typifies everything this club stands for”
“We-re looking forward to him leading the club into what is both an important and exciting season ahead” Cole said.
Melbourne Victory Coach, Ernie Merrick was just as glowing in his praise of Muscat “To have someone of Kevin-s quality commit to this club for another season is a massive result for us. He-s such a great leader – both on and off the pitch – and we-re delighted to have him onboard again”.
“When he first walked into the club his body was a mess, but it-s a credit to our fitness and conditioning staff that they were able to get him fit and effectively re-build his body”
“Kevin looks after himself very well, and we-re happy with his physical condition. It really is a testament to the man that he-s still up there with the best, despite the fact he-ll turn 37 early in the season” Merrick added.
Kevin departs for South Africa tomorrow and will join the squad for pre-season training in early July.
