Western United has moved swiftly to add strength to its midfield with the signing of former Inter Milan midfielder Rene Krhin.
The 31-year-old was last playing in Spain for second division side CD Castellon, where he made seven appearances last season.
Krhin spoke of his delight at the prospect of moving down under and playing football in a new country, with new opportunities.
“I am very excited to join Western United and to come and play in Australia. I have heard lots of good things and look forward to getting started,” he said.
“I think I have a lot to give on the pitch and I will be working hard straight away for the club and for the fans to be successful.
“I am grateful to Western United for this chance to come and play and I can’t wait to join my teammates and the coaches soon.”
Krhin and United captain Diamanti are familiar with each other having played together at Bologna for three seasons.
The Slovenian is a tall, physical defensive-midfielder and bolsters United in the middle of the pitch after Victor Sanchez’s departure earlier this month.
Head Coach John Aloisi is thrilled to add Krhin’s quality and experience into the midfield and is eager to see him in training as soon as possible.
“Rene is a superb signing for us. I’m really pleased the club has been able to get straight into the market and pick up a top player to come into that area of the team,” he said.
“He is someone with a huge pedigree in the game, someone that has been there and experienced just about everything.
“This is going to be vital for us, and together with the addition of Leo (Lacroix) who we’ve got coming in as well, the broad mix of experience and youth of our squad at the highest level is really impressive.
“Rene’s quality on the pitch was something we identified straight away, he fits our style of play and I can’t wait to see him with the rest of the squad.”
Krhin has had vast experience in the European game, playing over 150 games across Serie A in Italy, Spain’s La Liga and the French Ligue 1.
He became a Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League winner with Inter in 2010, working under legendary coach Jose Mourinho.
Krhin is also a 48-times capped Slovenian international and went to the 2010 World Cup with his country – Slovenia’s first appearance in the tournament.
