Mark Milligan delighted to be Bani Yas player after club’s three-year pursuit

Matt Jones - Editor 13:34 19/08/2015
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Done and dusted: Mark Milligan moves to the AGL.

    Australian international Mark Milligan says he feels “privileged” by the attention shown to him by Bani Yas after he was finally unveiled by the club following a near three-year pursuit.

    The 30-year-old midfielder originally turned the Sky Blues down in June 2013, while it was the Abu Dhabi-outfit who pulled out of negotiations in January 2014 after failing to agree a transfer fee.

    The former Sydney FC and Shanghai Shenhua player signed from the Melbourne Victory in June for A$1 million (Dh2.88m) and said his decision to join Bani Yas at the third time of asking was made all the more easier after he canvassed advice from several fellow Socceroos who have previously played in the Emirates.

    “It was actually about three years ago that Bani Yas first came to me about playing here in Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately back then it didn’t quite align, it was a difficult time with contracts in Australia, but we have stayed in touch for a few years,” Milligan said as he was unveiled alongside four fellow new recruits last night.

    Also joining him are forwards Joaquin Larrivey, who arrives from La Liga outfit Celta Vigo, and Ishak Belfodil, who has been snapped up from bankrupt former Seria A giants Parma.

    Emirati players Ahmed Khamis, a versatile wideman, and goalkeeper Adel Abu Bakher Fada’aq have also been signed from Sharjah and Al Wahda respectively.

    “I’ve spoken to many of the Australian players that have played over here and all of them, although playing for other clubs, speak highly of this club and this year it was good timing for both myself and the club and worked out well,” added Milligan.

    – Egypt star Mohamed Elneny dreams of Barca move
    – AGL: Al Ahli boss Cosmin keeps cards close to his chest
    – Mateo Kovacic: Real's new wonderkid out to fulfil potential

    – #360view: John Terry change shows Chelsea need new blood

    One player in-particular who sang the praises of the Sky Blues was midfielder Nicky Carle, who played 21 times for Bani Yas in the 2012-13 season.

    “Originally the first player I spoke to was Nicky Carle who actually played here. He couldn’t speak highly enough of the club, the people and the place,” said Milligan.

    “I also spoke a lot to Mark Bresciano who was in Dubai for a year and Brett Holman who’s played over here quite a bit, so I was quite fortunate to have that kind of information. It made my decision very easy in the end.”

    Milligan has 39 Australia caps since making his debut against Lichtenstein in a 2006 World Cup warm-up match.

    He was the youngest player selected in the Socceroos’ World Cup squad in Germany, although he did not play in any of Australia's four games.

    Milligan said he is extremely excited about his UAE move.

    “It’s been a long time coming but the timing was now right in my career,” he said

    “I wanted a new challenge and everything just fits for me with this move. I feel very privileged the club showed persistence in waiting for so long.”

    “It was quite a long process but both me and my agent were focused on getting it done and it was important that it was at Bani Yas.”

    Bani Yas head coach Luis Garcia said Milligan’s experience will make him a crucial player ahead of the new Arabian Gulf League season, which the Sky Blues kick-off tomorrow against promoted Al Shaab.

    I’m very happy that Mark is with us. He has been one of the best players in Asia for three or four years,” said Garcia.

    He is an experienced player. He will be a very important player for us and I hope for the best from him for the season because I think he’s very important for the team, for the club. I know he’ll do a good job.”

    Recommended