Sterjovski today confirmed he had signed a three-year marquee deal with Perth Glory, ending a nine-year exile for the versatile midfielder. With the World Cup only 12 months away, Sterjovski said he spoke to national coach Pim Verbeek about the move and the Dutchman was nothing but supportive if it meant Sterjovski getting more game time.

"I spoke to Pim at length about it, he was very supportive. He understood my situation, it's only going to benefit me coming back because I'm going to be playing more games," Sterjovski said.

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Asensio's Screamer Vs FC Barcelona
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"The most important thing for Pim was that I was playing regular football. And to make sure that at the end of the A-League season, I continue playing until the World Cup. I think that was the only major issue."

Sterjovski said he had yet to formulate a plan on where he will play after the A-League season to ensure he is match fit for World Cup selection, but was confident he could work something out.

"When that time comes, we'll have a look at it," he said.

For the 30-year-old, the opportunity to play for Perth, rather than sit on the fringes of English Championship outfit Derby County, was crucial to him maintaining his push to be part of the 23-man squad for South Africa.

"The problem was I wasn't starting enough. I wasn't playing enough games and that's going to be important for me in the next season. I had a great relationship with everyone in the club, I loved Derby, the supporters, no problems there at all," he said.

"It's been a long journey, I've been looking forward to coming back to Australia for a long while. I'm very excited to come back."

Sterjovski, who started in three games at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, said that experience was the highlight of his career, and he was desperate to get back there again.

And he predicted that the flow of Socceroos players back from Europe could turn into a torrent post World Cup.

"There's a few players that are quite envious. That's a good sign. I think there's a lot more players who will come back in the future," he said.