A-League 2020: Besart Berisha has another title in his sights with Western United
Besart Berisha, the best striker in A-League history, plans to propel Western United to a historic title.
Football
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News.
BESART Berisha had achieved everything in the A-League, but the chance to inspire Western United to a title in the club’s first season was an offer too good to refuse.
Having won four A-League titles and two Golden Boots during stellar stints with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, Berisha moved to Japan in 2018 to join Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
“I wanted a new challenge and I did it,” the former Albania and Kosovo international said.
But with Berisha struggling for game time and goals, he left Japan in August last year and signed a month later with A-League newcomers Western United.
“The A-League and Australia is belonging in my heart, and I really always enjoyed my best time in Australia in football,” the 35-year-old marksman said.
“I wanted back this feeling, and I’m so grateful I came back.”
ðŸ—£ï¸ "Really looking forward to pushing in the finals and to make something special." @BesartBerisha7 #PlayOn #WUFC pic.twitter.com/thAd4FhAaJ
— Western United FC (@wufcofficial) August 18, 2020
Adding to his excitement about returning to Australia was the chance to make history with United in their debut season.
“It was a very difficult challenge, especially now with Western United as a new club, first year, so many challenges, but I’m so glad I came,” Berisha said.
“I really enjoyed every moment of the challenges here in this club.
“I’m looking forward now to keep pushing in the finals and make something special (happen).”
Heading into United’s final game of the regular season on Wednesday night against Melbourne City at Jubilee Stadium, Berisha has more than held up his end of the bargain.
The best striker in A-League history has continued to do what he does best – score goals.
Berisha has found the back of the net 18 times in 23 matches for United, taking his A-League tally to 134 from 208 appearances.
“Since I (have been) playing this game, I remember I always put a big smile on (the faces of) my family and my father especially when I score goals,” he said.
“As a striker, you don’t get enough goals, so I want to keep scoring, help my team lead the games and win the games.
“I’m very happy with my performance this year so far. I want to keep going, keep driving forward.”
United are the form team of the competition, having won six of their past seven matches.
But that will mean nothing to Berisha if his team fails to deliver in the finals series, which starts on Saturday.
“The most important thing is to keep going. Performance is key now,” he said.
“The season there is still a lot to win and to achieve, and my goal is clear – I want to try to achieve and create more history.”
Originally published as A-League 2020: Besart Berisha has another title in his sights with Western United