Western Sydney Wanderers FC have this afternoon confirmed the signing of midfielder Nicolas Milanovic on a two and a half year deal.
Milanovic returns back to where it all started, having played his grassroots football at Sydney United before joining the Wanderers Academy in its inaugural season in 2015.
The midfielder was quick to make his mark in the Red & Black youth set-up, consistently playing up in age groups, and has been remembered for his performances in the run-up to the U18s Grand Final where he scored eight goals in 17 matches before becoming a starting player for the U20s squad.
Milanovic departed the club in 2019 and spent a season at Victorian National Premier League side St Albans Saints and broke into the A-Leagues a year later with Western United.
At United, Milanovic went on to feature in close to 40 matches over three years and in this season alone has scored four goals in 15 games.
Milanovic is set to represent his local club for the first time in his senior career and it will be made even more special as his younger brother, Jack Milanovic, currently plays for the Wanderers Academy U14s squad.
The 21-year-old said playing for the Wanderers was a dream come true.
“I’ve had an opportunity to come back home where I grew up as a kid, in the West of Sydney. It’s the club I’ve always dreamed of playing for when I was younger and for it now to happen and come to fruition, it’s amazing,” said Milanovic.
“I played here as a kid when the Academy first started, this club means everything to me and my family.
“I travelled to plenty of games as a fan, both Grand Finals in Adelaide and Brisbane. I was a massive fan of the club as a kid and still am today.
“I want to bring here a winning mentality and to do everything I can to help bring success and titles to the West.
“This year has been a great season for me. I’ve scored a few goals and had a few starts, more than I have in my past two seasons, so I’m looking to build on that even more in this environment.”
Milanovic has arrived immediately in Western Sydney and has joined the team today in their preparations for Saturday night’s blockbuster Sydney Derby at CommBank Stadium. You can get your tickets to the match here.
