Besart Berisha says he will miss the Brisbane Roar after Victory-bound striker makes winning farewell

Updated

An emotional Besart Berisha says he will miss the Brisbane Roar after playing his last match for the A-League champions, but that he is looking forward to a new start at Melbourne Victory.

Berisha scored 48 goals in 76 appearances for the Roar over four seasons, but none was more important than his 86th minute grand final strike which kept Brisbane hopes alive.

The forward told Grandstand after the match that he was overwhelmed by the perfect finish to his time at the Roar.

"I'm very, very emotional right now. I'm very, very glad and happy the way I finish in Brisbane," he said.

"Brisbane give me so much and I always try so hard to give it back.

Brisbane give me so much and I always try to give back ... I'm so happy how we won the grand final, this is the best finish I could ever wish (for). Departing Brisbane striker Besart Berisha

"I really thank you so much Queensland, all the people, the way they welcome me and my family ... I'm so happy how we won the grand final, this is the best finish I could ever wish (for).

"I'm so glad for Brisbane Roar, we came back and we did it."

The Roar sealed a dramatic win in extra-time when Henrique crashed the ball high into the net from an excellent cross from substitute James Donachie.

Earlier, the Wanderers had taken a 1-0 lead with a second-half goal from Matthew Spiranovic, who was left in too much space from a corner to nod the ball home at the near post.

The Wanderers looked set to silence a big home crowd with an upset win, but like many times before, Berisha was the man to grab the vital equaliser inside the final five minutes to take the match into an extra half-hour.

The goal was set up by playmaker Thomas Broich, and the grand final marks the end of the combination of Broich to Berisha which has brought so much success to the Roar in recent seasons.

Berisha says goodbye to The Den

At the end of the match, Berisha ran over to The Den - Brisbane's supporter group - to thank them and say goodbye.

He admitted he will miss their presence and support from next season.

"I'm going to miss (them), of course," he said."

"They have always been so good to me, I have had a great time here - how (could) I not miss them.

"They are great supporters, they love me and I love them too."

But the star striker was adamant he was looking forward to the future, despite leaving Brisbane.

"This is what I want, I really want to go to Melbourne Victory, this is where I personally want the next challenge and I want to do it the same way I've done it here at Victory," he said.

Brisbane's Matt Smith could not hide his respect for Berisha who will take up a $1.5 million, two-year deal with the Victory from next year.

What a great way to finish (for the club). He has been a great servant of this club. He has been one of the heroes of this club. Brisbane Roar's Matt Smith

"What a way to finish (for the club)," Smith laughed.

"He has been a great servant of this club. He has been one of the heroes of this club."

But asked about life after Berisha, Smith said: "I don't think we have to step up, we are proven.

"The club will have to do what they have to do and look at recruitment for next year but for now we will enjoy this moment."

ABC / AAP







Topics: sport, soccer, a-league, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

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