Melbourne Victory attacking midfielder Gui Finkler has signed a new two-year contract keeping him at the club until the end of the 2015/16 season, the club announced at its award night on Friday.
The 28-year-old Brazilian had reached the end of his existing two year contract, and a delay in penning a new one had driven speculation that other clubs were circling in for him, leaving supporters worried he would join Adama Traore as another fan favourite to depart from the club.
However, Finkler insisted that he was enjoying his time at Victory and leaving the club was never on his mind.
“I’m happy to be [at Melbourne Victory] for another two seasons. I’m feeling great here at the city and the club,” Finkler said.
“My first option was always to be at Victory, I’m feeling great at the club.”
Very happy to sign for @gomvfc for 2 more seasons. I look forward to the future with my teammates, the fans and this great club.
— Guilherme Finkler (@Guifinkler) May 9, 2014
Having bowed out at the semi-final stage of both his campaigns at the Victory, the one-time Wolves loanee player stated his ambitions to go one step further next season.
“I expect for myself to get better and better, and hopefully next season I can do my best and help my team make the grand final,” he said.
“What we’ve done this season is gone. Now we’re just looking forward to the pre-season, working hard and making sure everything goes alright, and we can play the grand final next season for sure.”
With over 10 clubs listed on his CV in as many years, the Brazilian admitted he was settled in Melbourne and welcomed the added stability the new contract afforded him and his family.
“The city is great, the club, the facilities are good,” he said.
“I’ve played at a lot of clubs and this is the first time I’ll be four years at a club and I feel special to be part of the club.”
Getting Gui Finkler to ink a new deal is great news for #mvfc fans still sad at losing Adama Traore. A win for the #ALeague.
— Zee Ko (@ZeeKo442) May 9, 2014
A cult hero among supporters, Finkler paid special tribute to the club and fans for the support they showed him in the past two years, especially when recovering from a serious knee injury sustained in his first season.
“The fans, the atmosphere – that feeling for a soccer player is priceless – it’s the biggest support in Australia,” he said.
“Once you’re inside the pitch and feel like everybody likes you, you can play with freedom, it’s unbelievable. I’m speechless.
“I felt so great, when I got injured, I got a lot of messages [of support] and what I can do [in return] is play my best and give everything on the pitch.”
The Fink’s been inked. Awesome! Insert obligatory #GUIGASM <3
— Steven Chang (@Gixibyte) May 9, 2014
Coach Kevin Muscat said the Brazilian was a vital part of his plans and was looking forward to continue working with him.
“Gui is a talented individual and a big part of our set-up, so it’s fantastic we will be able to call on his services for another two years,” Muscat said.
“We also know how big of a presence he is in our changeroom and he certainly provides plenty of advice and insight to the other boys, especially the younger ones, in the squad.
“Gui is extremely popular with our fans as well, so I know I speak on behalf of all of them when I say how pleased we are he will remain with us at Melbourne Victory.”
Signed by Ange Postecoglou for the 2012/12 campaign, Finkler settled into life at the club well, leading the A-League in assists until a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament sustained in a challenge against the Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 12 ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Following his rehabilitation into the new season, he was used as an impact player off the bench, before becoming an integral member of the starting XI and playing in every A-league game, scoring 9 goals.
Despite his good form, his controversial omission from the Victory’s AFC Champions League squad also fuelled speculation he may want to leave the club, but the signature means he joins Archie Thompson and Adrian Leijer as players to have re-signed for the new season.
Fans will no doubt be looking forward to next seasons partnership with new marquee striker, Besart Berisha.
Photo by Frank Khamees / Sportsgraphy