Adelaide United is pleased to confirm experienced midfielder, Vince Lia, has agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Reds.
Lia joined the Club at the start of the 2017/18 season, bolstering United’s midfield depth and has now committed to the Reds for the 2018/19 campaign.
The 33-year-old featured in a total of 11 games last year, and scored two goals for Head Coach, Marco Kurz’s, side. Indeed, both of those goals came against the Reds’ fierce rivals, Melbourne Victory, when Lia bagged a memorable brace courtesy of two stunning long-range strikes in a 2-2 draw at the Adelaide Oval.
And despite two gruelling knee injuries stuttering Lia’s season, the Club’s No. 6 made a number of valuable contributions to United’s push for the finals in 2017/18, rightfully earning his extension.
Lia, who has amassed more than 200 appearances in the Hyundai A-League, said he was delighted to remain in Adelaide for a further season.
“It feels very good and I’m very happy here,” Lia said. “Missing so many games, you never know what’s going to come at the end of the season.
“So to get another year is pleasing, I feel like there’s a lot of unfinished business from myself personally, but also as a group, so I’m looking forward to next year.
“As a group we’ve set a standard now of making the top six and I think next year the key is to go even further than we did this year.
“Top four will be a goal, so I’m looking forward to it and getting the Club back to where it should be.”
Kurz lauded Lia for his attitude and professionalism throughout the season, saying he was delighted to have him part of his 2017/18 squad.
“From the very start of the season, Vince has been the ultimate professional and given his all for Adelaide United,” Kurz said.
“Everyone is delighted that Vince will stay with us for next season because he is a very good footballer and is fantastic for the dressing room.
“Vince’s experience is something that is invaluable for our Club and he has already had a positive impact on our team, which will continue next season, I’m sure.”
