Despite the ups and downs of the current Hyundai A-League season, Brisbane Roar striker Besart Berisha’s passion for his club has far from wavered.
Despite the ups and downs of the current Hyundai A-League season, Brisbane Roar striker Besart Berisha-s passion for his club has far from wavered.
Ahead of his 50th Hyundai A-League appearance for the Roar this Saturday against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium, Berisha named the milestone as one of the proudest in his career.
The Albanian striker put his consistent game time over the past two years down to his love of the club and his new hometown.
“It feels great to have 50 games, especially with Brisbane Roar because every game I have played for the team has been emotional,” he said.
“I feel it-s been the best 50 games of my career.
“I can-t believe it-s already been so many games but time flies and each game it makes me happy to play for this club.”
Before opting to join Brisbane in August 2011, Berisha-s football journey took him to leagues across Europe, but the closest he ever got to a 50 match mark previously was with Denmark-s AC Horsens between 2005 and 2006.
He scored five goals in 32 matches for the Danish club while on loan, a far cry from his impressive 33 goal tally he boasts with Brisbane before he even reaches his half-century.
Berisha won the league-s Golden Boot award in his maiden season in Australia with 21 goals and so far has 12 goals to his name in the current campaign, despite Brisbane-s eighth place position on the ladder.
He-s scored three times in his past four outings for the Roar, commemorating each time with a new celebration – a salute to the crowd.
“I don-t know the reason [for so many goals] but I found a lot of love here in this club and it makes me so happy to play for this club,” Berisha said.
“Each goal I score is a great feeling.
“My celebration means whatever happens at Brisbane Roar, I will always be on time and be there when they need me.
“This is because I care a lot for this club and I enjoy every moment, every game so I hope I can make a lot more games for Brisbane.”
The 27-year-old also holds the record for the Hyundai A-League-s quickest hat-trick, scoring three goals in six minutes against this weekend-s opponents Adelaide United back in November 2011.
Besart Berisha – Honours/Statistics
49 Hyundai A-League appearances (33 Hyundai A-League goals)
Hyundai A-League 2011/12 Golden Boot (21 goals)
Football Media Association Player of the Year 2011/12
Brisbane Roar 2001/12 Golden Boot (21 goals)
Brisbane Roar Players- Player of the Year 2011/12
Brisbane Roar Members- Player of the Year 2011/12
Brisbane Roar Gary Wilkins medallist 2011/12
Hyundai A-League Championship 2011/12
