The Croatian joins the A-League side after almost 200 appearances in his native country across the last decade. 

Paracki, 30, also represented Croatia at U19 level after making his senior club debut. 

According to new Phoenix coach Darije Kalezic, it was Paracki’s work ethic and mentality that most caught his eye.

"Goran’s natural position is holding midfielder," said Kalezic. "He is hard-working, has a good mentality – a mentality that fits very well with the Australian and New Zealand league style. I think in Goran the fans will get a player they will really like.

"He comes from a very good professional environment, on the ball he’s also a very technical player, which adds a lot of quality in the way that we want to play our football."

Paracki said: “I know it is very far from my origins. I’ve played most of my life in Croatia. But Darije called me and told me about his background, his project here at Wellington.

"My position is important, for the club’s goal to play the finals, and afterwards I thought about [this conversation] more and more."

“My mum, I think she is a little sad, but this is football life – my friends understand this, you never know where you are going to go or where you are going to play. My wife she is very excited, she will come join me here closer to the season beginning.

"My best friend in Croatia has a good friend, Mateo Poljak. He told me everything good about the league, about the quality of life. He spoke very highly of the reputation as well of Rado, so in the end I was very exciting to take this new opportunity.

“I signed for just one season, but I am hoping that I can make this a longer stay."