Brisbane Roar has completed the signing of two former Australian youth internationals with Diogo Ferreira and Dimitri Petratos joining the club on one-year deals.
Brisbane Roar has completed the signing of two former Australian youth internationals with Diogo Ferreira and Dimitri Petratos joining the club on one-year deals.
Ferreira comes to the Roar from Melbourne Victory, where he made 52 appearances, while former Sydney FC youngster Petratos returns to Australia after a six-month stint with Malaysian Super League club Kelantan.
“The addition of Diogo and Dimitri brings quality and versatility to our squad,” Head Coach Mike Mulvey said.
“I-ve been impressed with the determination they-ve both shown since they arrived. They are good additions to the squad and have a desire to be successful.
“Diogo and Dimitri provide an element of youth but bring significant A-League experience to our playing group as well.”
Ferriera, who spent time in Portugal with FC Porto-s youth academy as a 16-year-old, joins Brisbane as a utility player with Head Coach Mulvey confident in his ability to play in a range of positions across the defence and midfield.
“It-s exciting to be joining one of the most successful A-League teams in recent years,” Ferreira said.
“I-ve been impressed by Mike Mulvey and what he-s trying to implement here and I really think I can offer something different to the squad.”
Petratos, who played 30 times for Sydney FC before heading to Asia in December 2012 to gain AFC Cup experience with the Malaysian champions, will provide similar versatility in the attacking third.
“I-m excited to be back playing football in Australia and to be here in Brisbane particularly,” Petratos said.
“I-ve enjoyed watching the way the Roar play over the past couple of years and now I-m excited to be a part of it.”
Both players started their careers in the National Youth League competition before signing senior contracts with both of their previous Hyundai A-League clubs.
Brisbane Roar can also confirm that Steven Lustica-s loan deal has expired and he has returned to his Croatian club Hadjuk Split.
DIOGO FERREIRA
Date of birth: 5 October 1989 (23 years old)
Place of birth: Footscray, Australia
Position: Utility/Midfielder
Squad number: 14
Contract details: One year until the end of the 2013/14 season
Previous club: Melbourne Victory (2010 – 2013)
DIMITRI PETRATOS
Date of birth: 10 November 1992 (20 years old)
Place of birth: Sydney, Australia
Position: Midfielder/Striker
Squad number: 23
Contract details: One year until the end of the 2013/14 season
Previous clubs: Kelantan, Malaysia (2012 – 2013), Sydney FC (2010 – 2012)