Lazaridis signs with A-League club Glory
Wednesday Jul 5 20:51 AEST
Stan Lazaridis has revealed a genuine desire to see WA football boom again was behind his decision to sign a two-year deal with A-League club Perth Glory.
The former Birmingham City and West Ham United winger could have reaped more money in England, where he has enjoyed more than a decade in the game, or taken up a lucrative deal in Europe, the Middle East or even the eastern Australian States.
But he has forfeited around $500,000 to return to his home town where it is believed he will earn about $300,000 a season.
Speaking publicly for the first time since agreeing to his new deal, Lazaridis, 33, told The West Australian he wanted to be part of a Glory revolution after the once benchmark club's disappointing inaugural A-League campaign.
"To see the club in a difficult situation is obviously disappointing," Lazaridis said.
"Hopefully I'll make an impact here because that's what I'm looking to do. I've got a huge amount of pride and when I play I want to be the best on the park."
Family and commercial reasons - he has invested in property in Perth - were also factors for his return to Perth but Lazaridis was adamant he would give everything on the field to lead Glory to the finals this season.