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Michael Zullo to stay at Sydney FC

3 minute read

Former Socceroo Michael Zullo has joined Milos Ninkovic in signing for another two years A-League champions Sydney FC.

MICHAEL ZULLO .
MICHAEL ZULLO . Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Sydney FC have locked down another key player, their second in two days, with former Socceroo Michael Zullo re-signing with the A-League champions for two years.

The defender has played 100 games for the Sky Blues - 77 Hyundai A-League matches, 15 FFA Cup games and made eight AFC Champions League appearances - having won five trophies in his three seasons at the club.

"It has been the most successful period of my career and I am sure there will be more silverware ahead, so that makes it a very easy decision to re-sign," Zullo said in a statement on Wednesday.

The fullback will have racked up five years at the end of his contract in 2021/22, joining the likes of Rhyan Grant, Alex Wilkinson, Milos Ninkovic and Brandon O'Neill in passing the half decade milestone.

The 31-year-old has been plagued by injury and illness this season, but says he hopes he'll still have a few years left in him after hitting the five-year mark.

"When I look at guys like Ninkovic and Wilkinson, they're still going strong at 36, 37 years of age so that's a bit of inspiration for me," he told media on Wednesday.

Zullo's announcement follows the re-signing of marquee midfielder Ninkovic on Tuesday.

Both had been sought by Ante Milicic's new team, the Macarthur Bulls, and Zullo says Ninkovic's decision to stay was vital in making his call.

"A big one (factor) for me was also Ninkovic re-signing a couple days ago. I love playing with him, and that was a prospect I couldn't turn down," he said.

Sydney's attention now turns to inking deals with a number of other key players, including midfielder Luke Brattan, Socceroos keeper Andrew Redmayne and English striker Adam Le Fondre.

Head coach Steve Corica says the club's re-signing of Zullo and Ninkovic "bodes well" for their other negotiations.

"We've already secured Wilkinson, Ninkovic, now Zullo, plus some of the younger boys," he said in a statement.

"It shows the culture and winning mentality that we've created at Sydney FC is second to none, that so many players are keen to stick around."

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