Sydney FC legend Steve Corica has hailed the Sky Blue stars of past and present as the club reaches its landmark 200th A-League game this Sunday afternoon.
Sydney FC legend Steve Corica has hailed the Sky Blue stars of past and present as the club reaches its landmark 200th A-League game against Brisbane at Allianz Stadium this Sunday afternoon.
The former Australian International and now Assistant Coach at Sydney, has been a permanent fixture as either a player or a coach for the club since the opening game.
And he is delighted at how far Sydney and the A-League have come.
“Two hundred games for the club is a good achievement and to be here from the start is very pleasing for me.
“The club has grown each year, the league has got better, the players are much fitter, the game has changed and got quicker with more mobile players,” said the former Socceroo midfielder.
“When you start out in the first year, you are not sure how it is going to go but I-m very pleased with the way the A-League has progressed and the way the club has progressed as well.”
Corica is famed for scoring the winning goal in the inaugural A-League Grand Final in 2005 and has heralded some of the greats who have played for the Sky Blues.
“Yorkie (Dwight Yorke) was fantastic for the club and for the A-League.
“This year it has been another step up again with Del Piero, he is a special player and has won everything in the game. For him to be at our club it-s wonderful.
“Juninho, Benny Carbone as well, even Kazu from Japan, all of these players are special in their own right and have done wonders for the club.”
Despite being born in Innisfail in North Queensland and having spent 10 years playing in England and Japan, Corica is now proud to belong to Sydney.
“It-s like home for me,” he admitted. “I-m very passionate about the club and I want to win things, I want the club to be the number one in Australia.
“It-s been difficult to see the last few years and obviously my heart is with the club.
“Playing overseas is fantastic but the moment I came back to Australia it felt great.”
And what are his hopes for the next 200 games.
“Hopefully we-ll be number one, playing in the Champions League and have some marquee players like Del Piero coming each year. I-d love to be here.”
Sydney FC’s 200th game is another crucial fixture against Brisbane Roar this Sunday afternoon, as the race for the Finals continues. The two sides are locked on 21 points each and a win would catapult the Sky Blues into the driving seat for Finals qualification. Your support at Allianz Stadium is vital and tickets can be bought from Ticketek starting at $25 for adults. See you there Sunday, 5pm kick off – don’t miss it!
