Socceroos defender Milos Degenek relishes challenge of playing against Manchester City

Socceroos defender Milos Degenek says there is still time for him to play in one of the top five domestic club competitions in the world.

Socceroo Milos Degenek is preparing to face Mexico in Dallas. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Socceroos defender Milos Degenek’s declaration that he’s good enough to play in one of the top five domestic club competitions in the world will soon be put to the test when he takes on the might of English Premier League champions Manchester City.

While his immediate task is playing for Australia against Mexico in Dallas on Sunday, Degenek also has an eye on his Serbian club team Red Star Belgrade’s UEFA Champions League battle with City – who won the competition last season – on September 20 (AEST) at Etihad Stadium.

“Obviously, it’s a tough draw for the Champions League but one that we’re looking forward to,” Degenek said.

“Playing against the champions of Europe, the best team in Europe at the moment, it’s going to be a hell of a challenge, but it’s an exciting time for the club, it’s exciting times for all of us as players and it’s exciting times for myself personally to come up against … probably the best team in the world to be fair.

“It’s one of those games where we won’t take a backward step.”

Socceroos and Red Star Belgrade defender Milos Degenek is for ready upcoming battles with Mexico and Manchester City. Picture: Ryan Pierse – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Degenek returned to Red Star in July for a third stint after an 18-month spell with American MLS club Columbus Crew.

And while he’s happy in Belgrade, the Sydney-raised 29-year-old is still yearning for a chance to play top-flight club football in England, Italy, Spain, Germany or France.

“I’ve had these conversations with myself in the mirror a fair few times and with people that I think I haven’t had the best treatment in my career,” he said.

“I could have been in better leagues playing better football. I haven’t had the luck or the support from agents, or the deals haven’t happened, but I believe I could have been playing in Italy, Spain, Germany, England, wherever it be, but I haven’t had that luck and fortune like many others have, but I’ve never quit.

“I’ve never let that affect me much. Wherever I’ve played, I’ve given my best, I’ve left my heart on the pitch, but I’ve seen myself and I’ve seen what I can do.

“I’m not saying I could be playing for Arsenal or Manchester City, but I know I could be playing at a club that’s a mid-table club in one of the top five leagues in the world.

“I’ve got on the phone to agents, to clubs, and said ‘I’m more than happy to come play half a year for free’.

“I don’t need to get paid. I just want to show what I can do and then if (they) are happy with what I can do, I’m more than happy to take any contract (they) can give me on the table.

“I don’t want to look back 10 years from now, finishing my career and saying that I haven’t played in (one of the) the top five leagues in the world. I would let myself down if that happens.

“I’ve still got time. I’m going to keep chipping away and hopefully one day it happens.”

Degenek hopes to be part of the Socceroos’ set-up until the conclusion of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

“I really enjoy my time being here (with the Socceroos), and I think the boys love having me around. I don’t want to talk myself up, but I think that people enjoy having me here because I’m a little bit of a different character,” he said.