Marcus Antonsson knows the expectation that comes with playing for Western Sydney and is eager to prove to Wanderers boss Marko Rudan that his near 12-month pursuit of the striker was worth the wait.
The Swedish forward comes to the A-League Men with an impressive pedigree, after a career that has taken him to Leeds, Blackburn and Swedish giants Malmo.
The 32-year-old’s most recent stint was in Saudi Arabia with Al-Adalah, where he opted to stay after being courted by Rudan in January's transfer window.
Antonsson watched from afar as the Wanderers broke their finals drought last season and is determined to help them take the next step and lift silverware.
“I spoke to Marko in January. The timing wasn’t right, but I kept on following the club’s results,” Antonsson told AAP.
“I went on YouTube and typed in ‘Western Sydney Wanderers’ and you get crazy videos of the fans and the derby games - and you want to play in front of that.
“The way he wants to play and to really try to push and win something, I wanted to play my part in that.
“Coming to a team with a massive fan base, I’m not here for a holiday. I may be 32 but I have a lot more years left in me.”
The Wanderers begin their 2023-24 campaign at home to Wellington on October 22.
The Swede should enjoy the service to succeed, with the Wanderers also adding wingers Dylan Pierias and Lachlan Brook over the off-season.
Brandon Borrello shone up top for the Wanderers last term and Antonsson says the pair have already found a strong chemistry.
“So far we have really found each other,” the Swedish hitman said.
“We have a lot of qualities that are shared - we are energetic and press like crazy.
“As personalities we have clicked straight away, it’s early but it can be a really good partnership."
