Gold Coast Knights captain Andrew Barisic planning to be part of club’s maiden NPL campaign

GOLD Coast Knights captain Andrew Barisic has opened up about his future as speculation mounts he could be headed for the exit.

GOLD Coast Knights captain Andrew Barisic has hosed down speculation he could leave the club, revealing he is close to finalising a deal to be part of next year’s maiden NPL campaign.

After two seasons at the Knights - highlighted by a breakthrough Premier League title double this year - rumours had surfaced the former A-League striker was headed interstate in 2019.

Believed to be among the suitors was former club Melbourne Knights and while Barisic admitted he had received offers elsewhere, he said he had no intention of leaving the Croatian Sports Centre.

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“My plan is to stay. I’m talking to Adrian (Puljich, president) and moving things forward,” the 32-year-old, who returned to Australia following a stint in Hong Kong in 2015-16, said.

Knights captain Andrew Barisic. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“I’ve had a bit of interest from Melbourne and in Queensland as well but if it was about going to another club I would’ve done that when I came back from overseas. We’re back into (pre-season) fully and we had our first friendly game on the weekend that we won 4-0 (against Logan Lightning).”

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Barisic’s 2018 season was hampered by an ongoing ankle problem, forcing him into another bout of surgery following September’s grand final win over Broadbeach.

But having returned to pre-season duties with the Knights, he is confident he can recapture his best form.

Barisic playing for the Knights this year.

“It was frustrating last season, I was held back by the ankle. I was probably playing at 40-50 per cent and now I feel like I’m at 80 per cent, which is a lot better.

“For people around me, they know I’m a strong character on the field and off the field. I look forward to this season, I know what I can do.

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“I believe if I get everything right I can get back to my best.”

With the majority of the Knights squad now settled for next season, Puljich said he was keen to keep Barisic at the club.

“Andrews is club captain of the Gold Coast Knights and as long as he is able and willing, it will remain that way,” Puljich said.