Marko Milovanovic after his departure to UD Almeria

Young Partizan forward Marko Milovanovic signed for UD Almeria yesterday and took his time to address Partizan aficionados upon his departure.

“I spent most of my life in Partizan, more than eleven years, since the age of seven and I`m not even 19 yet.

I had lots of nice moments at Partizan youths, tournaments and individual accolades for top forward or goalscorer won…Of course, there were ups and downs but persistence and character helped me win all the challenges.

It gets serious once you reach later stages of youth football, when a line is drawn who`s ready for senior game. Youth coach Nenad Brnovic, great tactician and tutor, upgraded my game. As a captain, I led the team in the great season we had, when we beat out bitter rivals several times.

As a result, first team coaching staff and Sporting Director Ivica Iliev gave me the opportunity to train with seniors and join my first pre-season with them.

I was lucky to work with top physical preparation expert Sasa Tomic who helped me a lot building my shape and strength. My full Partizan debut was a cup game away in Nis and I scored the only goal of the match to help Partizan qualify for the quarter-finals. Very soon I came in as a half-time sub for a league game against Novi Pazar and I scored the game`s opener after just seven minutes. Streak of good performances continued with a UEFA Europa Conference League game, a crucial encounter regarding Partizan`s group stage progress. My goal in a tough and close encounter helped Partizan reach next round and that`s the game I`m the fondest of.

Only 18, I can say I left the bit of legacy at the club.  Finally, I would like to thank Partizan and our sports department especially, all the coaches and former teammates in all age groups including seniors.

During the winter transfer window there were offers from many European clubs who watched me since I was in Partizan youths and many were interested in signing me even more after my first team performances. Almeria watched me for a long time and they were the most persistent of all in getting me to their ranks. I liked the attitude and ideas of Almeria`s management and it`s a great honour and pleasure for me to pick such ambitious and progressive club.

I hope I`ll win my spot in the team to advance and achieve all the high goals together with my new club.

Partizan will remain my home and I will always return here full-heartedly.

Special thanks goes to Partizan fans for all their support. Our fans are avant-garde and they understand these turbulent times. My message to them is to give even more support to this team.

Yours,

Marko Milovanovic