Milicevic, 29, signed a new one-year-deal with the Jets yesterday ending speculation of a return to Melbourne or possibly even a move to China.

Culina told the Newcastle Herald: "Ljubo is one of those players you can genuinely say is a class act when he is at his best.

"No disrespect to the players we had this year, but no one has been to the level he has been."

During Milicevic's six-year career in Europe, he played in the UEFA Champions League for Swiss club FC Thun against the likes of Arsenal and Ajax.

And Culina has backed the central defender to get back to a similar level after a difficult few years.

He added: "I can't see why he can't return to that form. In fact, I think he can be better than that. We are talking about a player at his peak."

Culina also admitted his delight at the Jets ability to retain several key players ahead of next season, after securing a new deal for Iraqi midfielder Ali Abbas during the week as well.

"It is a sign to our supporters, more than anything else, that we are no longer a transit lounge," Culina said.

"It shows that players do want to stay here and they do believe in the club and the people around it.

"It is a credit to Con and the club who were prepared to dig a bit deeper to try and keep the players."