Socceroos in the A-League: Chris Ikonomidis joins Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory have today confirmed the signing of Chris Ikonomidis on a three-year deal. 

The Socceroos forward, who recently announced his departure from fellow A-League club Perth Glory, is set to pull on the navy blue of Victory for the 2021-22 season under new boss Tony Popovic. 

The 26-year-old has 16 goals in 41 A-League appearances to date, and played an instrumental role in winning the 2018-19 Premiership under the former Socceroo Popovic at the Glory.

Not only will he reunite Popovic in Melbourne, but Ikonomidis is also looking forward to linking back up with former Perth teammates Matthew Spiranovic, Jason Davidson and Jason Geria.

After recovering from a long-term injury, the attacker returned to form late last season and was a member of the Socceroos squad that maintained Australia's perfect FIFA World Cup Qualifying record and passage to the final stage of the Asian Qualifiers. 

After some more valuable experience on the international stage, Ikonomidis is looking forward to thriving in fresh pastures at club level. 

"Tony Popovic is assembling a strong squad and I am looking forward to getting to Melbourne and starting to train with everyone,” Ikonomidis told Melbourne Victory.

"I know Matthew Spiranovic, Jason Geria and Jason Davidson from my time in Perth so it will be great to get out on the pitch with them again as well as the larger team.

One of the key reasons for my move to Melbourne Victory was the chance to play under the Boss again. I know how he likes to operate and his expectations, and I am confident I can work with and deliver on both.

“I want to be a part of what the Club is creating and also experience the passion and noise of the Melbourne Victory fans.”

Popovic is looking forward to re-kindling his relationship with the former Lazio youth product. 

“Chris has fantastic qualities that will excite the fans and also add an extra dimension to the team,” he said.

“His ambition and humility are key qualities that we want, need and expect from all members of our squad and he will lead by example in this regard.”