All White Marco Rojas signs for Brisbane Roar in return to A-League

posted in: A-League (Men), All Whites, News |

All Whites forward Marco Rojas could make his debut for Brisbane Roar against former club Wellington Phoenix on Friday.

Rojas (32) has signed with the Brisbane club for the rest of the 2023-23 Isuzu UTE A-League season and the club has confirmed he’s available for selection for Friday’s Round 15 clash at Suncorp Stadium.

Main photo: Marco Rojas … ready to return to the A-League. Photo credit: Brisbane Roar.

Hamilton-born Rojas has joined the Roar after leaving Chilean giants Colo-Colo last year, when he and the club mutually agreed to end his contract for personal reasons.

He has previously played in the A-League for Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix, making 140 appearances and scoring 41 goals in the competition.

Nicknamed ‘the Kiwi Messi’ by fans for his ability on the ball, he was awarded the Johnny Warren Medal as the league’s standout player in the 2012/13 season.

Rojas also has experience in Europe, will spells at VFB Stuttgart and Greuther Furth in Germany, FC Thun in Switzerland, Heerenveen in the Netherlands and SønderjyskE in Denmark.

At international level, Rojas has represented New Zealand 43 times, scoring five times for the All Whites.

Rojas told the Brisbane Roar website:

“I chose this project because it was the one that resonated the most with how I was feeling and what I was thinking at this point in my career.

“Having spoken to the club and people within the club, Zac & Kaz and further along the line the new coaching staff, i began to understand that this was a place that really resonated with my values and was a place that was determined to be more than just a football club.

“I’d done a bit of searching myself and I think that I’ve found a really good place to start playing again and to work through those values.

“I’m aware of a lot of their players, aware of their history and I think I really connected with the desire for the project and to come back to some of those days if possible.”

Roar chairman and CEO Kaz Patafta said:

“I am very excited to announce the signing of Marco Rojas, a player whose skill and dedication represents the excellence we strive for at our club.

“Marco’s arrival is a significant milestone in our journey towards rebuilding and strengthening our club. His experience and leadership are crucial and will undoubtedly help us achieve our ambitious goals.

“This signing is a clear testament to our commitment to not only compete at the highest level but to set new standards of success for Brisbane Roar FC.”

Rojas will wear the number 20 jersey and has already started training with his new teammates.