Brisbane Roar striker Besart Berisha has put pen to paper on a new two-year contract with the club, extending his stay in the Queensland capital until the end of the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season.
Brisbane Roar striker Besart Berisha has put pen to paper on a new two-year contract with the club, extending his stay in the Queensland capital until the end of the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season.
After he was spotted by Brisbane Roar assistant coach Rado Vidosic while playing alongside his son, Dario, at German second division side Arminia Bielefeld last year, Berisha originally signed for Brisbane in August 2011 on a one-year deal.
Berisha-s infectious personality and on-field talent, which has seen him lead the tally for this season-s Hyundai A-League Golden Boot with 13 goals to his name so far, quickly made him an important cog in the Roar set-up and Head Coach Ange Postecoglou moved quickly to ensure the prolific strike man would continue to wear the orange jersey for a further two seasons.
“I-ve played at high level and at small level in Europe but the most I-ve ever enjoyed my football is here now in Brisbane so there-s no reason to change anything,” Berisha said.
“Everything around me – the team is amazing, the club is fantastic and professional, the staff as well… it-s just a pleasure to work here.”
While Berisha had to consider his young family in his decision-making process, he admitted re-signing was an easy verdict to come to, with wife Sumea and 20-month-old son Amar relishing in their new lives in Brisbane.
After a career that has spanned nine professional clubs, four countries and two continents, the 26-year-old said after his family, enjoying his football was the most important factor to consider.
“In the end, I just followed my heart and went with what my heart said,” Berisha said.
“From the first day, the team made me feel welcome and in the end, it-s important not to look at what other clubs offer you, it-s important to be somewhere you have fun and of course, I have a lot of enjoyment in Brisbane.
“I really feel well – I-ve found friends, I-ve found people who really care for other people and especially the team, we really stick together and it-s really a pleasure to be here.”
Berisha will make just his 21st appearance for the Roar on Saturday night and after joining Sergio van Dijk as the club-s highest goal-scorer in one season (13) with his well-taken volley against Wellington Phoenix last week, he-s in line to take the record for himself if he finds the back of the net against Melbourne Victory.
