Besart Berisha admits it will be emotional facing Melbourne Victory and the fans that once adored him
Melbourne Victory legend Besart Berisha is preparing to face his former side, this time in the colours of A-League new boys Western United.
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Western United striker Besart Berisha declared Saturday would be the most emotional game of his career, when he lines up against his former club Melbourne Victory.
Berisha, 34, also revealed that he received bigger offers - believed to be from Wellington Phoenix - but wanted to enjoy his football after a horror stint in Japan.
The A-League’s record goalscorer quit Victory in 2018 after the grand final win over Newcastle Jets, in a season in which he played a key role and scored a stunning overhead kick to fend off Adelaide United in the semi-final.
It remains to be seen what kind of reception Victory fans give Berisha, who became a cult hero after scoring 86 goals in 137 games en route to two titles in four seasons after Kevin Muscat signed him from Brisbane Roar.
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“Personally it’s going to be a very emotional and difficult game, maybe the most emotional game I’ve ever played in my career,” Berisha said.
“This game is a very special game and of course I hope I score because I want to help my team, this is why I came, and why I signed for Western United.
“Of course it’s really important to show respect.
“I had an amazing time at Victory and a lot of respect for this club. But the way I am, the way I work and go - I want to win every game and I have to do everything possible to win games for Western United.”
Berisha looked set to face Victory in the Asian Champions League earlier this year, before he was sensationally omitted from Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s squad.
It was the low-point of a disappointing 14-month stint in Japan where he made just seven appearances and was a key reason behind his decision to return to the A-League when he’d hinted that Victory would be his last club.
While Berisha spent four years as a Victory marquee player, he accepted a comparatively modest wage within the salary cap at United.
“It’s not about the money, I just want to enjoy football,” he said.
“I had other offers and I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want. In the end I want to enjoy football. I don’t want to talk about money or anything else, just enjoy my football.”
United coach Mark Rudan won’t attempt to muzzle the firebrand for Saturday night’s Marvel Stadium clash.
“Bes is Bes. He’s one that you’ve got to manage, but someone as professional as Bes doesn’t need to cool his heels at all,” Rudan said.
"But he’s a fighter, wants to win all the time.”
Originally published as Besart Berisha admits it will be emotional facing Melbourne Victory and the fans that once adored him