Sarkies decides his ‘Heart’ lies in Melbourne

Adelaide United midfielder Kristian Sarkies’ tenure with the Reds will come to an end at the conclusion of the 2010 AFC Champions League campaign in May, after he signed with new Melbourne club franchise Melbourne Heart.

The Reds put an attractive offer to Sarkies to remain at the club, however he has opted to take the opportunity to return home, agreeing to a two year deal with the new A-League club, which will come into the competition next season, his contract to start in June 2010.

The Melbourne born playmaker indicated to Adelaide United FC and Coach Aurelio Vidmar his desire to join the new Melbourne franchise, Sarkies stating it is an added bonus heading back to Victoria.

“That was a bit of icing on the cake going back there (to Melbourne) because my family is there, but it was mostly a football decision for me personally,” Sarkies said.

“Adelaide has been superb for me, since the day I got here they have really looked after me on and off the park, and it has been a pleasure to be here. I’ve experienced a lot of good things while I’ve been here, we made the Asian Champions League Final, we made a A-League Grand Final and I’ve really enjoyed my time here.”

“But all good things must come to an end, and I’ve decided to go back to Melbourne next season.”

“I’ve learnt a lot as a footballer and a person. You have your ups and downs but it’s what you do during your downs that make you stronger when you’re up, so it has been a rollercoaster time here but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt a lot.”

An Australian representative at senior, U-23, U-20 and U-17 level, Sarkies will leave Adelaide United after three seasons with the club, having joined United from Melbourne Victory in March 2007.

After being a member of the Victory’s inaugural A-League squad, the former Victorian Junior Player of the Year arrived in Adelaide on an initial one year contract, highly regarded after winning a championship with the Victory, and having been part of the Socceroos train on squad at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

He was then re-signed by The Reds for an additional two seasons, and after taking awhile to find his feet, Sarkies has produced arguably his best football for the club this season.

“We’re disappointed that we’re losing him, especially now that we’re getting some really good form out of him, and he’s showing the sort of form that we knew he could deliver,” Vidmar said.

“He’s always been very talented and now he’s starting to hit his straps, but unfortunately he’s leaving due to wanting to go home, which is obviously close to his heart, and obviously there is the appeal of going to a new club and new surroundings.”

The 23 year olds time with the Reds has not all been smooth sailing. Sarkies managed just 11 games in his first two seasons, and there was a danger of his career being cut short after he was diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) a day after scoring in a 3-1 win over Sydney FC at the Adelaide Oval during the 2007/08 Season.

Although Sarkies will be at a new club next season, he remains determined to help The Reds towards a first A-League championship, with the most immediate challenge preparing for a tough encounter against North Queensland Fury in Townsville on Saturday night.

“I spoke to Viddie when I made my decision, and I’ve guaranteed to him that I will be giving 110 per cent until the end of my contract,” Sarkies said.

“I’m living in the present, not in the future or the past, and at the moment that’s with Adelaide United, so that’s my main focus and I’m not really thinking about Melbourne until next season.”

“I’m thinking about trying to make the finals with Adelaide United and then the Asian Champions League after that, which I’m really looking forward to as well.”

Sarkies’ announcement is the second deal Adelaide United have been involved with mid season, following the signing of Central Coast Mariners defender Nigel Boogaard to the Reds for the next two A-League campaigns.

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