Behich glowing about life-changing month

Aziz Behich is drawing a line underneath a season to forget in the best way possible — with a month that will live long in his memory.

After six seasons at Turkish club Bursaspor, the Caltex Socceroos left-back moved to the Netherlands with high hopes in August 2018, linking up with former national team assistant Marc van Bommel at PSV Eindhoven.

WHERE'S BUSAN?: A guide to the city hosting Korea Republic v Australia in June
NEWS FROM CAMP: Fully fit Williams ready to grasp fresh Caltex Socceroos chance

The 28-year-old was unable to force his way into the Red and Whites starting line-up, making only six appearances, as a January transfer to Istanbul Basaksehir fell through.

But there is a silver lining on the 2018/19 season and the good news comes in threes.

Behich finally completed his move to Istanbul on May 24, signing a three-year contract, before receiving the call to represent the Caltex Socceroos against Korea Republic. After that, it’s all about his wedding.

“It’s been a great month,” Behich said. “Obviously on the move back to Turkey to a new club, part of the national team again and I get married straight after the camp so it’s a great month for me.”

Socceroos training
The Caltex Socceroos training in Busan on Thursday 30 May

A new beginning

The Melbourne-born defender could not hide his excitement for a return to Turkey, a country he could have represented through his family lineage.

“Club football obviously didn’t go to plan for me this season with the move to PSV, “ Behich said.

“It was a learning point in my career but I’m back to Turkey now so I’m looking forward to that.

“We were in talks with the club for a while now. They wanted me there in January but I couldn’t because of FIFA rules about playing for two clubs already this season. 

“It would have been great to get my club football up and running [in January] but it wasn’t to be.”

“It’s a great club. They’ve been successful in the last three or four years. In the last five years, they’ve always been up there. 

“This year they battled for the title with Galatasaray and just missed out. We’ve got some Champions League qualification rounds now.

“I’m just looking to have a good season and kick-start my club career again.”

NEWS FROM CAMP: Newcomer Thomas ready to learn from the best
READ MORE: Premier League experience 'remains surreal' for Mat Ryan

'A good test'

In the short term, Behich’s mind is firmly set on running out against Korea Republic in Busan on Friday 7 June at 9pm AEST.

It’s always an honour to represent Australia on the world stage,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to this camp. There’s a lot of new faces, a lot of younger boys as well so it’ll be a good test for us.

“Any national team game, I want to be a part of. It’s always an honour and a privilege to play for your country and it’s something you shouldn’t take for granted.”

The Caltex Socceroos’ clash with Korea Republic will be broadcast live in Australia on FOX SPORTS and Network 10 (10 Bold).

Get Onside Limitless banner