Adelaide United winger Nikola Mileusnic signs new two-year contract with A-League club

Adelaide United has locked in one of its key men for the next two A-League seasons after Nikola Mileusnic signed a new contract to remain at the Reds. And the SA-born winger has some big targets for his hometown club.

Adelaide United has re-signed winger Nikola Mileusnic on a new two-year contract. Picture: AAP/Mike Burton

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Repaying Adelaide United for giving him an A-League opportunity and firing the club’s bid for more silverware are Nikola Mileusnic’s motivations for extending his Reds career.

The impressive winger signed a new two-year contract on Friday, three seasons after being plucked from Adelaide City in the National Premier Leagues SA.

Mileusnic, whose deal was due to expire at the end of the campaign, ended speculation surrounding his future as a string of domestic and overseas clubs tracked his progress.

The SA-born talent said it was a simple decision.

“It feels awesome,” Mileusnic, 25, said.

“I’m an Adelaide boy, so having my family and friends here and being able to play in front of them every home game is good.

“It’s a fantastic club, the fans are awesome and the staff are lovely to work with.

“I’m really enjoying my time here at Adelaide United, so for me it was a no-brainer and I’m definitely excited for the next few years.”

White City Woodville product Mileusnic was set free by United after spending time in its youth ranks from 2012-14.

But his 16 goals in 23 games in the local top flight for former NSL champion Adelaide City caught the eye of ex-Reds coach Guillermo Amor.

Mileusnic said he had come a long way on and off the pitch since making his professional debut as a second-half substitute against Brisbane Roar on November 11, 2016.

“Back then I never pictured myself being where I am now,” said Mileusnic, who had scored seven goals in 59 games for United.

Nikola Mileusnic has managed four goals and three assists in 16 matches for Adelaide United during an injury-interrupted A-League campaign. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

“Going from the local league and stepping up to the national league has been massive.

“At the start you have those nerves, but then as time goes on you play more games and get more minutes in your legs and it starts becoming a bit more normal.

“You don’t really get much recognition when you’re an NPL player, but now some people know who you are so you know you have to act as a role model.

“It’s one of the best jobs in the world and I’ll always be grateful for it.”

Uncertainty over Adelaide’s coach for next season had not deterred the FFA Cup winner from re-signing ahead of Marco Kurz’s impending departure.

He hoped for improved fortunes on the injury front, having missed the first two games of this campaign with a foot problem and three outings last month due to an ankle issue.

Adelaide United winger Nikola Mileusnic heads home a stoppage-time winner against Brisbane Roar earlier this A-League season. Picture: AAP Image/Kelly Barnes

“It’s been stop and start and it’s been really frustrating,” said Mileusnic, who also sat out last week’s win over Central Coast – the Reds’ first victory in six – with hamstring tightness.

“But you have these seasons and injuries are just unlucky some times, so I’ve just got to keep pushing through.

“The boys showed good character on the weekend getting that win against Central Coast and we’ll be able to build on that win in the following weeks.

“We’ve definitely turned the corner and it finally got us back in the winning way.”

Mileusnic had managed four goals and three assists in 16 matches this term, adding more consistent end product to his raw pace and natural ability.

Nikola Mileusnic as a youngster in action for White City Woodville in 2014.

He was heartened by the long-term outlook, given the Reds had just six players, including almost certain to be released Baba Diawara and Ken Ilso, off-contract at season’s end.

“We have a good core group here,” said Mileusnic, who had been passed for Sunday’s crucial home clash with fourth-placed Wellington Phoenix.

“There’s a lot of the boys staying here and we’ve formed a good team

“We have very strong bonds and whoever comes in (as coach) will notice that and find the best way to work with us.

“I’m sure there’s definitely a bright future for us.”