Perth Glory captain Diego Castro has capped a stunning A-League campaign with yet another club MVP award but it’s team success that he’s craving the most.
Despite missing seven of the 27 games this season, Castro was named Perth’s Most Glorious Player for a third time.
Castro’s hot form, which included seven goals, helped lead Glory to the Premiers Plate — their first piece of A-League silverware.
The 36-year-old Spaniard’s dominance was on full display in Sunday’s 5-0 demolition of Wellington, when the 2016 Johnny Warren medal winner scored a goal and played a hand in the four others.
– ESPN’s A-League Team of the Year
– Roar axe 11 players as Fowler era begins
When Castro first arrived in Perth four years ago, he only planned for it to be a 12-month stay. But his stay will now extend towards six years after re-signing for a further two years last month.
Castro said it was “beautiful to taste” Premiers Plate success and it was special to win the club’s MVP award. But now he’s got his sights firmly set on winning the championship.
“We’ve achieved the premiership. It’s not enough for us,” Castro said. “We embrace the challenge. Now we are looking forward for the finals.
“That’s the main thing We are ready for the challenge.”
Glory’s top-placed finish means they have a bye this week, before they host a semifinal on May 10. Midfielder Juande is expected to recover from a leg injury in time to play in that fixture.
Glory coach Tony Popovic has been amazed by Castro’s displays this season.
“It’s a joy to work with him. He’s a winner,” Popovic said of Castro. “He’s in great physical shape. You can see psychologically he’s in a great frame of mind.”
Matildas star Sam Kerr won the Most Glorious Player award for Glory’s women’s team for a third-straight season, taking her overall tally to four. Kerr scored a league-high 17 goals to help lead Perth to the Grand Final.