Rojas,19, has been an A-League revelation in his just-completed second season in Wellington. After 21 appearances and two goals he’s lit up the league with his skill down the wing. 

However, the Hamilton-born teenager’s ambition to play regularly at Phoenix was such that a move away was talked about by his agent and father Rodi as early as last season.

“I’m not surprised Marco has left Phoenix. I know his dad was keen last year and he asked me to release him from his contract because he wasn’t getting game time,” Pignata told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“But I told Rodi to stick it out because Marco is going to be a star.”

Victory weere always in the mix for the youngster and has been tracking the player since his Phoenix debut in 2009 as a substitute against the Melbourne club in a friendly at Queenstown.  

Phoenix wanted to sign the player to a three-year deal back then but he was only keen on a two-year deal, said Pignata.

Rojas came to the attention of Phoenix after the club’s active fans “Yellow Fever” funded a two week scholarship--trial for a player the fans believed was the best teenage talent in the country.

It turned out to be an inspired move.

“All the players like Paul Ifill and Andrew Durante, they respect him," said Pignata. "I don’t think the move has got anything to do with the make-up of the club.

“I would’ve liked to see him stay in Wellington and really cement his spot then look for a move. But I can understand his move.

“But from a loyalty point of view it would’ve been good for him to stay one more year. There’s a lot of angst from fans in Wellington.”

Rojas Snr told New Zealand media last week that his son’s move to Melbourne was not about money.

"Everyone thinks Marco's a winger. He wants something a bit different. He's an attacking central midfielder. We want to see if he can play there,” Rodi Rojas said.

Pignata, however, questioned this logic: “I think it’s just an excuse. At the end of the day Rodi doesn’t choose, it’s up to the coach.

"I don’t think Marco is a central attacking midfielder but who knows how Ernie is going to play him. I don’t think Ricki played him out of position.”

Rojas will join new signing from Fury striker Isaka Cernak in what is shaping as a very exciting Victory squad for next season’s A-League.

“Every dad wants his son to be playing in various positions. I think Marco’s position is out wide,” added Pignata.

“From a Melbourne Victory point of view, playing out wide will give them so much speed and will really assist Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp.”

On another issue, Phoenix’s future has been the subject of speculation after stories of owner Terry Serepisos’s financial situation came to light.

However, Pignata sounded a confident note about this troubling issue.

He added: “I’ve spoken with Terry a number of times and he’s out there working feverishly to try and sort out his finances and get his cash-flow. I think he’s very close in doing that.

“I hope the continues to thrive and I’m quite confident this will happen.”