Langerak to bolster Victory’s ALM title bid in January

Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mitch Langerak has his eyes on A-League Men silverware after confirming he will take his career full circle by re-joining Melbourne Victory.

Langerak has signed an 18-month contract with Victory and will arrive in January when his existing deal with J-League outfit Nagoya Grampus expires.

The 35-year-old gloveman started his professional career with Victory in 2007 before earning a record transfer to German giants Borussia Dortmund.

He also spent time in Europe with VfB Stuttgart and Levante, and has spent the past six years in the J-League.

Langerak has made more than 200 appearances for Nagoya Grampus and broke his own clean-sheet record twice in Japan.

He returns to Victory after fellow goalkeeper Paul Izzo’s move to Danish club Randers.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to where it all began for me, with Melbourne Victory,” Langerak said in a statement.

“Now is the right time to come home for my family and for myself and there is no other club I’d be returning to, other than Victory.

“My last season at Victory in 2010 saw us go agonizingly close to the championship and the last season for the team was no different.

“The goal for me is to help the team achieve the ultimate success and lift that trophy at the end of the season.”

Victory are hopeful of going to step further than last season’s grand final defeat to Central Coast, with Patrick Kisnorbo taking over from Tony Popovic as coach.

Former Socceroos defender Kisnorbo is pleased to add Langerak’s experience to his squad.

“We’re excited to be able to welcome Mitch back after farewelling the club in 2010 to begin his career abroad,” Kisnorbo said.

“Mitch’s pedigree speaks for itself. He’s played at the highest level in Europe and he has been an incredibly consistent performer in Japan.

“His character, professionalism and attitude to football is an example for all footballers to follow and we look forward to his arrival in January.”