Football: Wellington Phoenix unveil new signing

New Phoenix head coach Darije Kalezic convinced Goran Paracki to move to Wellington. Photo / Photosport

The Wellington Phoenix have signed Croatian holding midfielder Goran Paracki on a season-long A-League contract.

The 30-year-old defensive midfielder brings a wealth of experience with nearly 200 first division appearances across a decade in his native Croatia.

New Phoenix coach Darije Kalezic said it was Paracki's work ethic and mentality that had caught his eye.

"He is hard-working, has a good mentality - a mentality that fits very well with the Australian and New Zealand league style," Kalezic said.

"He comes from a very good professional environment, on the ball he's also a very technical player, which adds a lot of quality in the way that we want to play our football."

Paracki said a phone call from Kalezic had convinced him to make the big decision to move overseas.

"I've played most of my life in Croatia. But Darije called me and told me about his background, his project here at Wellington. My position is important, for the club's goal to play the finals," he said.

"My mum, I think she is a little sad, but this is football life - my friends understand this, you never know where you are going to go or where you are going to play."

Paracki says talking with former Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets midfielder Mateo Poljak had helped him make up his mind.

"My best friend in Croatia has a good friend, Mateo Poljak.

"He told me everything good about the league, about the quality of life. He spoke very highly of the reputation as well of [assistant coach] Rado Vidosic, so in the end I was very excited to take this new opportunity.

"I signed for just one season, but I am hoping that I can make this a longer stay."

Paracki has come through his medical assessment without a problem, and will join the Phoenix squad in training on Thursday.

His wife is joining him closer to the start of the season.

- NZN