Spiranovic still walking on sunshine

Western Sydney Wanderer's Australia defender Matthew Spiranovic admits he is still overwhelmed by the enormous achievement of becoming the champion of Asia on two fronts.

Spiranovic

Socceroos centre-back Matthew Spiranovic savours victory in the Asian Cup final win over Korea Republic at Stadium Australia on 31 January (Getty) Source: Getty Images Asia Pacific

Winning the 2015 AFC Asian Cup with the Socceroos was added to the AFC Champions League title Spiranovic won with the Wanderers in November.

His team-mate at the Wanderers - Tomi Juric - is also a dual champion.

Speaking to The World Game after the Wanderers' first win of the season against Wellington Phoenix on Sunday, Spiranovic admitted his head was spinning for days after the Asian Cup triumph in the final against Korea Republic.

"There were quite a few sleepless nights after that game," Spiranovic said. "It was running through my head, it was like a permanent adrenalin rush.

"That buzz just wouldn't go away, so trying to settle down and get some rest and sleep was difficult at times, but it's good getting back to normal here at the Wanderers and focusing on doing my best at the club.

"It's amazing to think I'm a part of teams that won the Asian club title and the Asian Cup. It's just starting to sink in, to be honest. It's probably something that I'll look back on at the end of my career and appreciate more.

"It's so difficult to do, what this club achieved, what it overcame, and for the national team there were also immense challenges you have to overcome to achieve something like we did.

"I feel very privileged to have been a part of both of those campaigns."

Spiranovic said that when he and Juric resumed training with Wanderers last week it was like the pair were walking on air.

"There was definitely a spring in our step because it's a huge high we had and it's something we'll keep very close to us and something very special," he said.

Returning in time to be a part of a Wanderers side that racked up a win after not getting one in its first 13 games of the season was special as well.

"It was great to get that first win on the board," Spiranovic said. "It was a relief to finally get it out of the way and now we can try and build from here and put the season right.

"It's always been one week at a time here, but we really had to get that first win and we can go forward now. It will instil a lot of confidence.

"We played a good team near the top of the table and we did what it took to get the three points.

"The focus now is on Newcastle next weekend. You can't look too far ahead, because then you miss the opportunity that's in front of you."

Spiranovic, who showed his versatility and skill when he played a defensive midfield role rather than in central defence against Wellington, is contracted to the Wanderers until the end of the 2015-2016 season.

But he remains open to the possibility of making another move overseas before that.

"I'm here at the Wanderers at the moment, but of course I've got ambitions and goals to perhaps move on and go to bigger and better things and that's important for any player," he said.

"You have to keep those ambitions and goals high and that constant focus on trying to improve every day and that's what I do. But for the moment I'm here at the Wanderers and we'll see where it takes us towards the end of the season.

"I have this season and next on contract, but things can change very quickly. I think for any player who has been a part of the champions league and fortunate enough to be a part of the Asian Cup win as well, there's always going to be interest and speculation.

"But the main focus is the goal at hand with the Wanderers and the rest will sort itself out."


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4 min read
Published 10 February 2015 12:36pm
Updated 10 February 2015 1:02pm
By Greg Prichard
Source: SBS

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