Besart Berisha says A-League goals record played on his mind before reaching milestone mark

BESART Berisha is relieved to have set a new A-League scoring benchmark, the Victory striker revealing talk around the milestone had played on his mind.

Besart Berisha celebrates after scoring to break Archie Thompson’s A-League goal scoring record. Picture: Getty Images

RECORD-breaking Melbourne Victory striker Besart Berisha says he is relieved to have set a new A-League scoring benchmark.

By scoring the opening goal in Victory’s 4-2 win against Newcastle in Geelong on Monday night, Berisha moved above former teammate Archie Thompson on the A-League’s all-time goalscorer’s list.

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The goal was his 91st — he scored 48 in 76 games for Brisbane and now has 43 in 64 games for Victory — and the 31-year-old said he was proud to set a mark he never thought was achievable.

Berisha also revealed that talk around his inevitable ascension to the top had played on his mind since moving level with Thompson just prior to Christmas.

“Not in the game, but of course I read stuff, I notice,” Berisha said.

“I’m just glad it’s finished now.

“It’s not easy when you’re close to breaking the record, sometimes things are not going your way and I’m happy now that I did do it.

“I worked really hard to be honest. And one thing I think after I break the record is how thankful I am to the players I played with and how much they helped me to do that.

“I remember in Brisbane and now at Victory how much they do for me to break this record. I think about this and I appreciate that.”

Besart Berisha steps up for the opening penalty of the game. Picture: Getty Images

While Thompson is now retired, the record could remain shiftable for some time yet given Shane Smeltz — with 89 goals — has recently returned to the A-League with Wellington.

Sydney’s Alex Brosque, fourth on the list with 60 goals, is some way back, but Berisha said Smeltz’ return did not provide him with any extra motivation.

“I believe one thing, this record, it doesn’t matter how far I go, there will be another player who will come along and break it again,” he said.

“That’s the way it goes in football.”

Besart Berisha kisses the Simonds Stadium turf after breaking Archie Thompson’s record. Picture: Getty Images

Victory has won eight of its past league 10 games, scoring 28 goals in the process.

Berisha said he could not be happier with how his team is clicking in attack.

“It is really a pleasure to play right now with Marco (Rojas), Jimmy (Troisi) and Fahid (Ben Khalfallah) and of course whoever else comes in.

“The way we combine is unbelievable.

“You could see (against Newcastle), especially in the first half (for the second goal), Jimmy (passed) to me, me back to him and then Jimmy to Marco, that’s just a great goal.”

Originally published as Besart Berisha says A-League goals record played on his mind before reaching milestone mark