A-League player of the year Marco Rojas is looking forward to testing himself in Europe after securing a move to German club VfB Stuttgart.
The 21-year-old New Zealand midfielder will now realise his dream of playing in Europe after Stuttgart confirmed they had signed him to a four-year deal on a free transfer.
The Victory will reportedly receive $180,000 in compensation under FIFA laws.
Rojas scored 15 goals and provided nine assists in his second season with the Victory, having joined from Wellington Phoenix.
The form also attracted reported interest from several European clubs, including heavyweights Liverpool and Juventus.
He said he felt wanted by the German outfit.
“For a player, it’s a great thing when the club lets you know that they definitely want to have you, but it will certainly be a huge challenge,” Rojas said.
Stuttgart, who won the 2007 Bundesliga title, is currently mid-table in the league with two matches left and Rojas said he was looking forward to eventually running out at the 50,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Arena.
Stuttgart’s director of sport Fredi Bobic said the club was attracted by Rojas’ pace and ability out wide.
Rojas will join fellow former A-League players including Robbie Kruse, Mitch Langerak and Nikita Rukavytsya in Germany’s top flight.
