Sydney FC’s longest serving player Rhyan Grant has signed a new three-year contract keeping him at the club until the end of the Hyundai A-League 2021/22 season.
Grant, who recently returned from appearing at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup with the Socceroos, already has over a decade of service in Sky Blue.
The right back joined the club as a 17-year old, youth team player in September 2008, before making his senior debut for the club in December that year.
VIDEO: Rhyan Grant Discusses His New Deal
He has since made 179 appearances in all competitions for Sydney FC and scored nine goals, including the Hyundai A-League 2017 Grand Final equaliser.
“It feels very good to have another three years in the bag,” said the 27-year old.
“I’ve been here for ten years so the club definitely feels like home to me and I’m very comfortable here.
“You want to be part of the best club and most ambitious club going forward, so that was my main motivation for staying.
“We’ve been very successful over the last couple of years so I want to build on that and to win all competitions that we are a part of,” he continued.
“I’ve got a really good relationship with a lot of Members who I’ve known for years, especially ‘The Cove’, and they’ve definitely had a big impact on making my decision to stay a lot easier.”
Head Coach Steve Corica praised the contribution the full back has made and is looking forward to more honours with the Socceroos defender on board.
“It’s great that Rhyan has re-signed, he has shown real loyalty to the club and has been a great servant and a top professional.
“He deserved his chance to play for the Socceroos and did a wonderful job, so we are pleased to have him stay with us.
“He’s been great for the club, very energetic and a fantastic guy.
“He is also an experienced player who leads by example and that is what we stand for with our beliefs and our culture.
“Rhyan will be crucial to our future success.”
At just 27, Grant could become the club’s all-time leading appearance maker within the next three years, a prospect he admits would be a fantastic achievement.
“If I could stay here another three years and stay injury free and get a few more games under my belt it would be a real privilege and a real honour to hold the longest serving player and most appearances titles.
“Hopefully I can jag another couple of years at the end of these three and stay for 15.
“If I continue to do well then perhaps I could get past the legends of Brosque and Tezza (Terry McFlynn).
“To be held in that stead would be freakish.”
Grant will be part of the Sky Blues squad who head up to Brisbane tomorrow for the Friday night clash with Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium in the Hyundai A-League (kick off 7.50pm).
