‘A new player’: Portsmouth signing Marko Milovanovic makes exciting admission after landmark €6m switch
Pompey completed the €6m signing of Marko Milovanovic last week.
New Pompey signing Marko Milovanovic believes he is a ‘new player’ after his brilliant campaign in Portugal last season.
And the 22-year-old has admitted his dream to play in England was a key selling point behind his big-money move to Fratton Park.
Milovanovic, who is also known as Marezi, makes the move to Fratton Park off the back of his most successful campaign in front of goal to date.
The Serb netted 10 goals in all competitions for Portuguese outfit Alverca during a successful season-long loan stint at Complexo Desportivo FC Alverca.
Pompey signing ‘a new player’ after Portuguese success
Despite struggling for goals during his time with Almeria, the powerful striker arrives on the south coast a transformed figure following his stint in Liga Portugal.
And Marezi now feels like ‘a new player’ as he prepares for life in English football.
Speaking on the Blues’ official website, he said: ‘I started in Serbia, I played for Partizan. Then, really young I went to Spain, was there for three years but didn’t play that much.
‘After last year I went to Portugal, played the whole season and scored 10 goals and that was a big step in my career. So now I am here like a new player.
‘I played for Alverca, it’s not the best, best club in the Portuguese league but we had a great season and I scored 10 goals, which is good. So now it’s time for the next step.
‘For every young player it is difficult the first time leaving your country. Now I’m 22, almost 23, but I feel like an old player with experience because I am almost five years out of my country.
‘Since I was a kid, I dreamed about playing in England. I actually had a plan to play at first in the Championship for a few seasons and then go to the Premier League.
‘Now I’m here, it’s all like a dream and where I want to be.’
What convinced Marezi to sign for Pompey
Milovanovic’s stock is firmly on the rise after an impressive campaign in Portugal’s top flight, which saw the Blues pay the highest fee since the Premier League days to secure his signing.
And after speaking to Mousinho ahead of his move, there was only one place Marezi wanted to take the next stage of his career.
‘I’m so happy to be here and to become part of this club and I’m ready to play.
‘First of all, I spoke to the manager, with the club and then I saw the stadium, the fan base and Championship (football). I think it’s the perfect next step and that’s how I decided.
‘He (John Mousinho) showed me how Portsmouth play, he presented the club, told me how he sees playing at this club and I like it.
‘I think I can be an important part of this group.’