Rojas on his way to Europe
Johnny Warren Medal winner Marco Rojas is set to leave Melbourne Victory at the end of the month, with a move to Europe on the horizon.
Johnny Warren Medal winner Marco Rojas is set to leave Melbourne Victory at the end of the month, with a move to Europe on the horizon.
The 21-year-old's future has been the subject of much discussion of late, with Rojas himself hinting that he would make a decision sooner rather than later, and Victory confirmed in a club statement today that the Hyundai A-League player of the year will leave the club after post-season training concludes next week.
Rojas scored 15 goals in the 2012/13 Hyundai A-League season, while also accumulating eight assists - ultimately leading the league in scoring involvements.
The New Zealand international also became the first player since Mark Viduka to win the Johnny Warren Medal & NAB Young Footballer of the Year at this week's Hyundai A-League Awards.
"I have absolutely loved my time at Melbourne Victory, from the always-loyal fans, to the support of my teammates as well as the coaches and the staff - they have all definitely helped make me who I am today and I can't thank everybody enough," Rojas said.
"It's every footballer's dream to play in Europe and I'm over-the-moon to be able to say I'm about to live that dream very soon.
"I definitely will be keeping a close eye on Victory while I'm overseas and won't be surprised to see the club achieve even more success in the future."
Victory coach Ange Postecoglou said he was extremely happy for the 21-year-old, while obviously disappointed Rojas won't be part of the side next season.
"We wish Marco all the best as he continues on his very impressive football journey," Postecoglou said.
"While we would have loved to have seen him stay here at Melbourne Victory for a little longer, we knew we couldn't stand in the way of his European ambitions. He's rightly attracted plenty of attention around the globe for his efforts this year.
"He's obviously a very talented young man and has been rewarded for his stellar efforts this season by winning the prestigious Johnny Warren Medal and the NAB Young Footballer of the Year, the first A-League player to win both those awards in the one season."