Vladimir Stojkovic moves to Saudi Arabia

Partizan seasoned goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic finally signed a deal that was rumoured to happen for over a month, a contract after medicals with Saudis Al-Fayha, coached by former Partizan player and coach, Vuk Rasovic.

Over two spells (2010-2014 and 2017-2021), 37-year-old leader on the field and Serbian international played a total of 285 games for Partizan, winning tri titles and three national cups in the process. He also made 84 Serbian national team appearances.

After today`s morning training session, Partizan organized a farewell media party and Partizan boss Aleksandar Stanojevic was first to address legendary Partizan keeper in front of the journalists present:

“First of all, you are a legend of Serbian football and you were the legend during all this time we worked together. Thank you for everything! You were a true captain, leading us and standing next to us in all the good and bad moments but your biggest legacy is your teammates chanting your name after weekend`s game away to Vojvodina. You are part of us, thank you so much”.

Goalie coach Nemanja Jovsic added:

“He was not regular at school but when he was around, he was the best student you can have. Great goalkeeper, top-notch person and a massive Partizan fan”.

Partizan official Ivica Kralj presented Stojkovic with signed Partizan shirt followed by a theme cake, including keeper`s gloves, presented to Stojkovic by his teammates Markovic, Smiljanic and Zdjelar.

Finally, we heard from Stojkovic himself:

“This feeling now will do miracles for me, especially after four seasons without a title. You can`t buy this kind of feeling and it`s close to winning the title. I practiced not to cry but it`s impossible not to. I had sad moments in my life and since I lost my parents I learned not to fall down after God`s decisions, but I broke down now”.

Stojkovic signed a one-year deal with Al-Fayha. Apart from head coach Rasovic, he will also work with former Partizan player and assistant coach Ljubisa Rankovic, now assistant coach at Al-Fayha.

PHOTO GALLERY: MIROSLAV TODOROVIC