Caltex Socceroos skipper seals club switch

Caltex Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak has departed Crystal Palace after agreeing to join English Championship club Aston Villa on a three-year deal.

The 32-year-old spent five seasons at Selhurst Park having signed on a free transfer in July 2011 and went on to make 179 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals and captaining them from 2012 until the end of last season.

Jedinak played a major role in helping the Eagles gain promotion to the Premier League in 2012/13 and led the team out at Wembley earlier this year in the FA Cup final against Manchester United.

The midfielder has signed a three-year contract at Villa Park for an undisclosed fee, where boss Roberto Di Matteo is attempting to mastermind an instant return to the Premier League.

Palace boss Alan Pardew told his club's official website: "Mile has been an influential figure at Palace since joining five years ago. He has been a super player and instrumental in our progress as a club.

"We thank him for his commitment in a Palace shirt and wish him the best of luck in his next chapter at Aston Villa."

The former Central Coast Mariners star could make his Villa debut this weekend as they travel to Derby County.

The Villans are currently sitting 12th in the Championship with a win, draw and loss after three matches.

Jedinak will lead the Socceroos in their upcoming qualifiers for Russia 2018 against Iraq and the UAE in September as Australia attempts to qualify for a fourth straight World Cup.

 

To Everyone who has been my family the last 5 years at SE25. To say it has been an emotional roller coaster is a bit of an understatement. I will look back on my time at Crystal Palace with very fond memories. I'd like to thank all of my team mates both past and present for allowing us to share in some great moments for this football club. To all the staff and management who I have worked under for 5 years, thank you for enabling my team mates and I in getting this football club where it currently resides which Is the Premier League. Lastly for those who sang their hearts out week in week out both at Selhurst Park and on away days, you guys and girls have been the heartbeat of this football club well before my time and of course long after, I don't think I have the words to really express my gratitude and admiration for each and everyone of you. You'll be forever in my family's memories and it was an honor and privilege to play and lead in the red and blue 🔴🔵 #Cpfc Yours sincerely Mile Jedinak #15

A photo posted by Mile Jedinak (@milejedinak15) on