Stambolziev signs on with Sky Blues

Sydney FC winger Robert Stambolziev has penned a one-year contract extension with the club for next season.

The 24-year-old from Melbourne joined the Sky Blues in January as an injury replacement player, playing nine matches off the bench for a total of 203 minutes.

Stambolziev scored one goal during the 14/15 season, the winner in a 4-3 victory against the Newcastle Jets, while also proving lively in Sydney FC’s post season friendlies against English Premier League opposition Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC.

The former Bristol City and Panathinaikos player said he was excited by the opportunity to continue playing for the Sky Blues as he set his sights on excelling both domestically and in Asia.

“Sydney FC is a massive club and I’m really pleased to be able to call it home for a further season,” he said.

“After experiencing the Grand Final in 2015 I want to go one better next season and to be able to test myself in Asia is a huge drawcard as well.

“I’m really grateful that Graham Arnold and the coaching staff have shown this faith in me and I hope to repay that faith through my performances on the field.”

Sky Blues Head Coach Graham Arnold praised Stambolziev’s work ethic and attitude as key reasons for retaining the former Australian U-20 representative.

“Robert was a great worker last season and his application in training to push for a starting role was very impressive,” Arnold said.

“He gives us more depth in the wide areas as well as added competition for places.

“I’m looking forward to harnessing the attitude Robert showed last season and developing him even further as a footballer.”

Stambolziev will return to pre-season training with Sydney FC in mid-July. 

4:03 AM