Adelaide United FC can confirm that Tarek Elrich has today agreed to terms with the club, thus finalising the Reds’ playing roster for the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 Season.
Adelaide United FC can confirm that Tarek Elrich has today agreed to terms with the club, thus finalising the Reds’ playing roster for the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 Season.
A former Australian Under 20 and Under 23 representative, Elrich has played 147 senior games predominantly as a right back. With previous experience at the Western Sydney Wanderers and the Newcastle Jets, Elrich is a versatile and adaptable player, which became one of the main reasons he was targeted by the Reds.
“Tarek has been on the radar for a while now but we needed to make sure that our Josep (Gombau) was right across any further player signings, and with the recent signings of Sanchez and Cirio completed, we got the green light to go ahead with finalising contract negotiations with Tarek,” Petrillo said.
“Obviously he comes here as a right back with lots of experience at A-League level but he has played at left back and also as a right winger earlier in his career, so his versatility is something that is a real bonus for us.”
“The other really important aspect in our negotiations with Tarek was that he made it very clear early on that Adelaide United was the club he wanted to be at and that was something that Josep wanted to hear before ticking any other boxes.”
Elrich is keen to make a new start to his career in Adelaide and is looking forward to joining his new team mates as soon as possible.
”I-m looking forward to getting stuck into training and making sure I-m as ready as I can be for the start of the season,” Elrich said.
He also said there were several reasons on his decision to sign with the Reds.
“Adelaide United has a great history and has been a successful club both domestically and in the Asian Champions League. Adelaide is a great city and every time I-ve played there I-ve enjoyed myself and the atmosphere at Hindmarsh,” Elrich said.
“At 26 I feel like I still have a lot to offer the game and the Adelaide United Football Club.”
Elrich’s signing means the Reds’ playing roster is now full, leaving Petrillo to confirm that Fabian Barbiero and Evan Kostopoulos would not be re-signed.
“On behalf of the club I-d like to thank both Fabian and Evan for the important contributions they-ve made over several years,” Petrillo said.
“They were very popular players both inside and outside the club and they will be missed. We wish them every success in the future.”
