April 24, 2015 10:29:21 UK
Melbourne Victory playmaker Fahid Ben Khalfallah has signed a two-year contract extension, having enjoyed a superb debut season with the club.
The 32-year-old has provided nine assists for Kevin Muscat’s side, the second-highest in the league behind team-mate Gui Finkler, and has missed just one game all season.
Ben Khalfallah has scored five goals, and Victory football operations manager Paul Trimboli said he brought much to the club on and off the pitch.
It is the first time the midfielder, who won the Coupe de France with Bordeaux in 2012-13, has played club football outside France.
Trimboli said: “The impact he has made since his arrival at the club has been significant and we see him as an integral part of our future plans. Therefore it was a priority for us to secure him and we are thrilled to get his signature.”
Ben Khalfallah, who played 14 times for Tunisia, said: “The club has been so supportive to me and my family since we have been in Australia and I love Melbourne, so Melbourne Victory was the only club I wanted to play for.
“The players here are so close and are fantastic to play with, so I am really looking forward to the next two years.”
Ben Khalfallah scored two in two games in mid-season to earn a 3-3 away draw against then-leaders Perth Glory and a 3-0 win in the derby against Melbourne City.
He becomes the fifth player to ink a new deal during the campaign, following Jason Geria, Connor Pain, Scott Galloway and Rashid Mahazi.
The news will boost Victory ahead of their final game of the regular season at home to Central Coast Mariners on Sunday, with Melbourne 1.33 to win the game, 5.25 to secure a draw and 2.50 to go on and be crowned A-League champions.
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