Why Australian sensation Adrian Segecic chose Portsmouth after demand from across the globe
Adrian Segecic has netted three goals in 11 appearances for Pompey following his summer switch from Sydney FC.
Adrian Segecic has revealed he had calls from clubs across the globe during the summer but opted for Pompey to ‘prove everyone wrong’.
The Aussie sensation was hot property during the recent transfer window after excelling in the A-League for Sydney FC.
Interest in the 21-year-old skyrocketed at the end of last season after netting 18 goals and registering three assists in all competitions for the Sky Blues.
Pompey were one of a host of clubs around the world keeping tabs on Segecic, with The News understanding at the time that sides in Scotland, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Austria and the USA were all chasing his signature.
The creative talent has since confirmed he had calls from potential suitors across the globe as he went in search of the next step in his promising career.
And Segecic is adamant he chose Pompey as his next destination to ‘prove everyone wrong’ after being told by people around him not to make the move.
Why Adrian Segecic chose Pompey
Speaking to Australian sports outlet Football 360, he said: ‘Yeah Sydney did try and keep me for a few reasons.
‘They were probably thinking they could get a bigger transfer because I was coming off contract so it was the nature for them to try and either re-sign me to sell me or re-sign me to keep me for another season.
‘Obviously with the World Cup coming they would’ve loved to keep me for one more season and do as well as I did again and make the World Cup squad and could make a lot of money off the back of it.
‘I feel like for me, I was ready to go overseas and make the move. As much as Sydney tried, I feel like it was time for me to go abroad and take the new challenge on.
‘Honestly, I had a lot of phone calls with a lot of different clubs, a lot of different countries, leagues and everything.
‘I just felt like the system - I’ve never really got to play in a professional level at that number 10 and have that freedom - when I was speaking to Portsmouth the gaffer and all the staff and the way they saw me play in their system.
‘The way they thought they could get the best out of me was a prime example. When you have a few meetings and speak with people, you just know what feels right.
‘To be fair, a lot of people were all saying ‘the Championship I don’t think it’s the right move’ or ‘I don’t think it’s your style’. I just wanted to prove everyone wrong and take that challenge and I’ve been doing pretty well.
Why Adrian Segecic wanted to prove people wrong
Segecic became Pompey’s first signing of the summer transfer window as the Blues prepared for their second season in the Championship.
And despite being told not to make the move to Fratton by people close to him, the Aussie sensation had his heart set on PO4 and the English second tier.
‘A lot of people, when I first chose to come to England and the Championship, said that it wasn’t the right decision, you're small and the Championship is so physical.
‘For me I just wanted to prove a point and prove everyone wrong and I feel like if you’re a footballer, no matter what league you are in, you can make yourself effective and useful.
‘I’ve been doing it and look forward to continue doing that when I get back.’