Sydney FC has handed a two year contract extension to Iraqi midfielder Ali Abbas which will keep him at the club until the end of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season.
Sydney FC has handed a two year contract extension to Iraqi midfielder Ali Abbas which will keep him at the club until the end of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season.
Abbas joined the club in May 2012 after three years with the Newcastle Jets and becomes the third player to have penned a new deal with the Sky Blues in the last month.
“I-m very happy to be here and staying to represent one of the big clubs in Australia,” said Abbas.
“I can see the club is building towards some ambitious targets and I think we will have a team capable of challenging for the A-League title and doing well in Asia very soon.”
The 2007 Asian Cup winner believes he has adapted well to the new system brought in by the coaching staff and says he is grateful to be able to wear the sky blue for another two years.
“I-m enjoying my football at the moment and the attacking style of play,” said the 27 year old.
“I-m looking forward to giving everything I have for the club and for the Members and fans.
“I-d like to thank everyone at the club and the coaching staff for believing in me and giving me this great opportunity to represent the club. Hopefully I will do them proud.”
Abbas- displays so far this season were the main factor in Head Coach Frank Farina-s decision to offer the former Iraqi International another two years.
The left sided attacker has fitted in at left back and higher up the field without any problem.
“Ali has been one of our most consistent performers this season and has earned his new deal with the club,” said Farina.
“He plays the game with flair and an attacking mindset which is how we want our team to play.
“He still has a good few years ahead of him and I-m looking forward to seeing what he can offer us in future.”
Abbas follows Serbian defender Nikola Petkovic and goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic who have recently signed new two year deals.
The trio join Rhyan Grant, Terry Antonis, Sebastian Ryall, Peter Triantis, Nick Carle, Pedj Bojic, Corey Gameiro and Daniel Petkovski who are all signed up to play for Sydney FC in next season-s Hyundai A-League.
Profile
Name: Ali Abbas
Age: 27
Born: August 30th, 1986
Place of Birth: Baghdad, Iraq.
Nationality: Australian / Iraqi
Height: 171 cm
Career
2005 – 2006 – Al-Talaba – 24 apps (4 goal)
2007 – 2008 – Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya – 30 (11)
2008 – 2009 – Marconi Stallions 29 (8)
2009 – 2012 – Newcastle Jets – 60 (4)
2012 – Sydney FC – 41 (1)
International
2007 – Iraq u23 – 4 (0)
2007 – Iraq – 9 (0)
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