After the high of lifting an A-League Premier’s Plate and landing a Socceroos recall for June’s friendly international against Korea Republic, Spiranovic is back in Melbourne from a lengthy stay in Europe with no hint on what his intentions are.
Rumours emanating from Perth suggest he may even be on the cusp of quitting the game all together.
But they were flatly denied on Sunday by his agent, who declined to comment further on what might lie ahead for the 31-year-old.
Glory coach Tony Popovic - whose association with Spiranovic stretches back to winning the AFC Champions League together at Western Sydney Wanderers - reached out to Spiranovic again in mid-November over the prospect of a second stint in the west.
But that, according to Glory CEO Tony Pignata, was politely declined, leaving 36-cap Spiranovic in a limbo of his own design.
“We spoke to him about coming back but I don’t think he’s keen at the moment,” Pignata said. “There were discussions a couple of weeks ago. There was some interest but that subsequently went cold.
“I’m not sure what he’s doing. I don’t think he’s been doing anything football related (since the expiration of his one-year Glory contract in May).
“Maybe he’s having a bit of a think over what the next stage is, and what opportunities he might have.
“But coming back to Perth at the moment, that won’t be happening.”
With spells at Nurnberg, Urawa Red Diamonds, Al-Arabi, Wanderers, Zhejiang Greentown and Glory on his resume, Spiranovic has sampled a smorgasbord of football destinations, and clearly has much still to offer - should he decide to pull on the boots again.
Glory have keenly felt his absence - and that of Shane Lowry and Jason Davidson - after an indifferent start to the new season.
“He had a very good year with us after coming here off the back of an operation on his hip,” Pignata added.
“He’s a talented player, no doubt, and I’m sure (Socceroos coach) Graham Arnold would love to have him fit and available for selection.
“We thank him for his services and wish him all the best in what he chooses to do.
“He’s had a good career (so far). He’s played (for the) Socceroos, he’s played overseas, won an AFC Champions League, and a couple of Premier’s Plates.”
Coincidence or otherwise, Glory’s stuttering start to the campaign - just one win from seven - has left them ninth post-Spiranovic, Lowry and Davidson.
“We’re all feeling the pain, to be honest, the whole club,” said Pignata ahead of Friday’s trip to face high-riding Melbourne City.
“We’re disappointed where we’re at but we’re still very confident that things will turn around (after Friday’s 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory).
“We’ve lost some key players and Poppa’s been on record as saying, when you’re changing the whole backline it’s going to take time for players to gel.”
