Glory an option as De Silva ponders future after Roda exit

Gifted midfielder Daniel De Silva is considering A-League and overseas options after parting company with Eredivisie outfit Roda JC.

Daniel De Silva

Daniel De Silva in action for Roda Source: Getty Images

The 19-year-old Australia youth international is back in his home town of Perth, with his two-season loan deal from the Glory to the Dutch club ending six months prematurely.
While it's possible that De Silva could return to his parent club Perth, his immediate future has yet to be resolved - with the playmaker hoping to return to Europe to continue his career progression.

De Silva started the campaign as a first-teamer only to fall out of favour at Roda, for whom he made nine appearances this season.

And the youngster believes he has added considerable polish to his game during his 16 months in Holland.
"I have learned a lot about the mental side of the game, and that's what so much of football is about," said De Silva, who dropped down the pecking order at his club heading into the winter break.

"I think that has helped me mature and prepare me better for whatever lies ahead, wherever that may be.

"Right now there are a few options but I can't say what will happen, whether that's returning to the A-League or overseas."

Glory CEO Peter Filopoulos sounded a conciliatory note when asked whether the club would enforce De Silva's return.

"We are in embryonic discussions with Danny and his management to find out what he wants to do next," Filopoulos said.

"We certainly need to take his wishes into account. It's premature to say whether he will be rejoining us or not."

The former Glory prodigy was originally signed by AS Roma but when that move hit a stumbling block, he was subsequently loaned to Roda, pending a possible full transfer.
He made 20 appearances for Roda in all competitions.

"I have left with a lot of good memories and enjoyed my time there ... I'd have been happy to have stayed, but I didn't fit into the style of the team so it was time to move on," De Silva.

"I want to be playing, and even though the season started well, I am back home now and I am keen to sort out my future as soon as possible.

"I would love to return to Europe, but also staying in Australia is possible, there are a few options but nothing has been decided yet, so I really can't say for certain what will happen next.

"But I know I have become a better player and I'm stronger and more resilient for the experience I've now had in Europe, and I'm looking forward to building on that now and pushing on with my career."


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3 min read
Published 9 January 2017 8:25pm
Updated 9 January 2017 9:17pm
By Dave Lewis

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