Melbourne Victory star Kosta Barbarouses is aiming to help push Victory all the way to a second consecutive grand final as he prepares for what could be his farewell finals at Melbourne Victory.
On the eve of Victory’s elimination final against Barbarouses’ former club, Wellington Phoenix, the 29-year-old New Zealand national indicated that he felt he was ready for a second attempt at playing football in Europe.
If he plays an important role in Victory’s finals, he could potentially showcase his skills and draw opportunities to play overseas next season while also helping his team to progress.
The fleet footed winger has had a successful home and away season, especially as a goal scorer, leading Victory’s goal-scoring tally with 14 goals, one ahead of team mate Ola Toivonen and fourth in the league’s overall standings.
Speaking to AAP on the eve of the finals, Barbarouses said, “Overseas is something that is enticing me at the moment. I can’t rule out anything.”
He also expressed his feelings regarding fatherhood. “I’ve got a little one on the way in September. It’s not just two people I have to worry about from here on. It’s going to be three. Instead of being nervous about it, I’m excited about what my options are going to be and what the end situation is going to look like,” he said.
“I need to see what Victory can do for me, what I’m worth to them…not saying that in a negative way but that’s the way the cap works. I’m confident there’s going to be quite a bit of interest with the season I’ve had. I know my finals performances are probably going to dictate it. I want to finish on a high and then see what happens.”
Barbarouses previously spent two years playing in Europe in 2011-13, when Russian first division team Alania Vladikaskav signed him for Brisbane Roar. After a season in Russia, he was on a year loan to Greek first division side Panathinaikos before returning to the A-League in 2013. He signed up with Melbourne Victory for his first stint, where he played under coach Ange Postecoglou.
