The final piece of the jigsaw puzzle is now in place for Sydney FC with the club confirming Swiss defender, Stephan Keller as its final signing for the 2009/10 Hyundai A-League season.
The final piece of the jigsaw puzzle is now in place for Sydney FC with the club today confirming Swiss defender, Stephan Keller as its final signing for the 2009/10 Hyundai A-League season.
The 30-year old, who has spent the last two seasons with Dutch club, de Graafschap has signed a one year deal with the Sky Blues and is looking forward to the coming campaign.
“Personally I just want to try to give my best football here to Sydney Football Club and as a team I hope we, as the coach wants, have growth (and) improve ourselves week in, week out,” explained the three-time Swiss international. “We (Sydney) have a footballing squad with a lot of technical players and this must be our advantage this year.”
“I think he (Stephan) is good for the team and teaching the younger (players), especially in central defence,” added Coach, Vitezslav Lavicka. “He brings experience, European football culture. I think he can help us to be successful.”
After coming off contract in Holland Keller had offers to remain in Europe from clubs in Turkey and Greece but was attracted not only by the culture at Sydney FC, but also by the Australian lifestyle.
“The weather,” he joked when asked about why he-d decided to sign. “When I came over here for a trial I was pretty sure my family would live here much better than in a place in Greece or in Turkey.”
“The lifestyle, the city of Sydney and the adventure – living far, far away from home. We always thought 700 kilometres would be far away from home, now it-s a little bit further.”
Keller-s signing takes Sydney FC-s playing roster to 22 for the 2009/10 season. After wrapping up its pre-season with a Fan Day at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday, the club will kick off its campaign next Saturday afternoon in Townsville against competition newcomers, the North Queensland Fury.
