United 58 Legend Markovic wants to end career on a high

Sydney United 58 club legend Petar Markovic is on the verge of a dream Grand Final farewell at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday night.

The 36-year-old announced earlier in the season that 2019 would be his last, and enjoyed an emotional send-off aloft on his teammates’ shoulders at Sydney United Sports Centre following United 58’s Round 22 clash with Manly United.

However little did he know then, his season was far from over.

Fast forward a fortnight or so, Markovic finds himself faced with an incredible final week of his career that includes an FFA Cup Round of 16 meeting with the Western Sydney Wanderers, and one last NPL NSW Grand Final against the APIA Leichhardt Tigers.

Saturday night’s decider will be the last time the 36-year-old dons the club’s iconic red and white kit, one that he has enjoyed an emotional affinity with for over 22 years.

As the ever-reliable defender prepares to bid farewell to his playing days, he cannot help but appreciate the unbelievable scenario he and the club he loves have afforded themselves.

“It’s a fairy tale, scripted to a tee, I guess,” Markovic said.

“It will be a send-off to remember for the rest of my life, especially if we get the win.

“I’ve been getting a lot of messages of support this week; it’s been really nice and a bit overwhelming.”

Since debuting for Sydney United in the NSL at the age of 18, Markovic has won just about everything there is to win with the club.

However despite his glimmering record, he is more determined than ever to capture this weekend’s opportunity with both hands and lift one last title.

The defensive stalwart provided a snapshot of the inspirational message he will deliver to his teammates heading into the big dance.

“I’ve been a member of Grand Final winning teams before and being a senior player, I’ll do whatever it takes to get the boys ready,” Markovic revealed.

“I’m going to encourage them just to enjoy themselves, as you don’t get too many of these moments in football.

“If we stick to what we’ve been told and what we’ve been working on, I believe we will come out on top.”

Despite the emotional backdrop to Saturday’s contest, Markovic insists that once kick-off time arrives, it will be business as usual.

“We are just taking this game as any other game, where we worry about ourselves and not too much about the opponent.

“We will just stay disciplined, work with what we have, and there are no particular opposition players that we have to concentrate on.

“We all know APIA’s capabilities and strengths as a team, and we will just enjoy it and do everything we can to get the win.”

By National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Reporter Chris Curulli (Twitter handle @ChrisCurulli)