A painful 2022 MLS season is in the books for the New England Revolution. One of the few bright sparks from this year was summer arrival Djordje Petrovic. Ahead of the decision day clash in Chicago, the Serbian shot-stopper had some fascinating things to say. Here are the key quotes from the media availability with Petrovic!
Djordje Petrovic Speaks Ahead of Chicago Clash
Petrovic Pens a New Deal
By a considerable distance in all honesty, Djordje Petrovic has been the best player in a Revolution jersey. He has bridged the gap superbly following Matt Turner’s move to Arsenal. Petrovic has been duly rewarded for this, being named as the team MVP by the fans as well as the Player’s Player of the Year.
“I was really delighted and surprised that I was voted the MVP. I’m glad that after six months and half a season I managed to accomplish that. This is a really nice feeling and I’m glad to be chosen as the best player on a team in one of the best leagues in the world.”
NEWS: The New England Revolution have signed 2022 Revolution Team MVP Djordje Petrović to a three-year contract extension through the 2025 MLS season with an additional one-year club option for 2026.
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) October 7, 2022
Not only has Djordje Petrovic swept up in the award’s department, but he also has a new bumper deal in New England. Head coach Bruce Arena spoke about the goalkeeper putting pen to paper. “As you could see this year, he had a really good season and he’s a goalkeeper with great potential, so we’re pleased to have him for many years to come.”
That last clause stands out the most because, whilst Petrovic is also happy to have signed a new deal, all isn’t as it may seem. “I signed a new contract today and I will definitely stay here another six months to a year get more experience. I’m looking at my career step-by-step so I’m really enjoying it here and I feel I am progressing every day.” His ability warrants such ambition but if his words are anything to go by, he may not be hanging around.
Read More: Introducing… the Revolution’s Team MVP and Players’ Player Djordje Petrovic!
Djordje Petrovic Expresses His Ambitions
Revolution players switching New England for Europe has become commonplace in recent seasons. Tajon Buchanan went last year with Adam Buksa and Turner going to Lens and Arsenal respectively this year. Djordje Petrovic will certainly be one of the next on this line of multi-million dollar sales, and he knows it too.
“My goal is to eventually go back to Europe and sign for some of the major teams there. But this is a good experience for me.” Petrovic then went on to add this later. “There is no specific team that I would like to sign for but definitely one of the team’s playing in the UEFA Champions League or a big club.”
Djordje Petrović said his goal remains to eventually return to Europe and play for one of the world’s biggest clubs, but he’s been very happy with his time in New England, this has been great experience for him and his development, and it made sense to sign a new deal. #NERevs
— Jeff Lemieux (@jeff_lemieux) October 7, 2022
There is no questioning that Djordje Petrovic is a freakishly good player for Major League Soccer and so there will surely be a lot of European suitors. The Qatar World Cup begins next month but the Serb believes that to be out of his reach. “I don’t think I will be part of the World Cup this year because I believe [the Serbia Men’s National Team] has already formed the team and I haven’t heard from anyone. So maybe next time.”
Saving penalty after penalty, making ridiculous save after ridiculous save. Whether Djordje is using the Revs as a stepping stone or not, his resume is certainly beefing beefed out here. What a talent he is and it would not come as a surprise to see Petrovic playing at the highest level in just a few years.
