Western Sydney’s newest Wanderer Terry Antonis says he can’t wait to hit the ground running in his return to the Hyundai A-League.
After joining his teammates in training for the first time on Tuesday, the 23-year-old said he’s happy to be home after spending the last 18 months abroad.
“It’s good to be back in Australia again and especially back playing for the Wanderers,” said Antonis.
“It’s a good opportunity for me. I’m a Bankstown boy and I played for Marconi through the juniors so pretty much all my life I’ve been playing football out West.”
Although the midfielder received his footballing education in Western Sydney, it was a across town where he made his mark in senior football.
Antonis notched up 69 Hyundai A-League appearances with Sydney FC between 2010-2015, also earning three Socceroos caps during that period.
His form in the Hyundai A-League was enough to attract the interest of Greek giants PAOK, who signed the then 21-year-old on a three-year-deal.
Having most recently been on loan at fellow Greek Super League side Veria FC, Antonis says he’s grown as a footballer in his time in Europe.
“I learnt a lot going over there, especially going to PAOK; it’s a big Club.
“Wanderers are a good Club so when the opportunity to come back for five months came up, I wanted to come back.”
Antonis, who will wear the number 24 for the Wanderers, has been known to fill a variety of positions in midfield and attack, and says he’s happy to play whatever role Tony Popovic sees fit.
“Wherever Popa thinks I can go I’ll go. He’s the boss so wherever he puts me I’ll listen.”
Having previously worked with Popovic at Sydney FC, Antonis says he’s looking forward to learning what he can from the Wanderers boss.
“He’s a good coach. I’ve learnt a lot from him in the past and I know in the future I will learn a lot from him as well.
“The next five months are going to be great for me.”
