Rojas says his heart always with Victory

Marco Rojas declared that his heart was always set on Melbourne Victory despite Melbourne City’s ardent attempt to sign him in the January transfer window.

Melbourne Victory’s Marco Rojas, left, and Melbourne City’s Jamie Maclaren before the derby at AAMI Park

Marco Rojas declared that his heart was always set on Melbourne Victory despite Melbourne City’s ardent attempt to sign him in the January transfer window.

The 2012-13 Johnny Warren medallist looms as an X-factor in Friday night’s Melbourne derby, after an impressive 20-minute cameo for a tiring Victory in last week’s 2-2 draw at Perth Glory.

City snapped up Athletic Bilbao legend Markel Susaeta after Rojas rejected their offer, with the duo going head to head for the first time on Friday night.

“Yeah I think there was (a City offer). I don’t generally talk about those sorts of things, especially when it’s in the past, and now I’ve signed for Victory,” Rojas said.

“When we came to the end of the contract in Europe, we took a good look at the different options. My father was working on my behalf and put the availability up to the different A-League clubs and he did most of that work — whether it got close to some clubs or different ones, it’s not the detail I’m going to go into now.

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“I know he spoke to several different A-League clubs. I really like being at Victory, enjoyed my time here. It’s our job as well (to explore options).”

With Wellington Phoenix and other clubs circling, Victory had no room to sign Rojas until Austrian attacker Kristijan Dobras was released.

The clock was ticking as Dobras negotiations dragged on, but Victory finally confirmed Rojas’ 2½ year deal two weeks ago, almost a fortnight after the parties had agreed.

Asked whether he thought a Victory return was dead, Rojas said: “Not myself personally because I was on holiday and enjoying time with family and friends.”

“I asked my father not to speak to me too much, I didn’t want it to be the sole focus. I knew it was going to be Australia, I didn’t know exactly where.

“The salary cap has a huge impact on the different transfers, and the fact that we’re halfway through the season.’’

A fan favourite from a collective three-year stint that included some scintillating attacking play (28 goals in 75 games) — highlighted by seasons under Ange Postecoglou and Kevin Muscat — received a rock star welcome at Victory’s last home game, as he watched from the stands.

He reciprocated by joining the active fans 15 minutes after the final whistle, despite Victory’s loss, to pose for photos and dish out some high fives.

“When we’re speaking football, it (Victory) feels like home. I love playing here, the fans are awesome, I’ve enjoyed my time here and when I’ve chosen to come back that’s why – I’ve always had a good feeling here,” Rojas said.

Herald Sun