Upset Brattan Europe bound after Roar fails to pay up

Luke Brattan says he will head to Europe in a bid to play at the highest level after he terminated his contract with Brisbane Roar after the club failed to pay 18 months of overdue superannuation.

Luke Brattan (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images Asia Pacific

Speaking to Lucy Zelic, the three time A-League champion, confirmed there was interest from Europe and that’s where he would head after Australia’s two international matches next week.

“I’ve had a fair bit of interest from teams in Europe. To sign for an A-League club would be a sideways step and I don’t want to do that. I want to push myself and see if I can play at the highest level possible,” said Brattan.

“If I go overseas and I’m not successful then at least I can say I’ve given it a go and I’d be happy to play in the A-League again.”

The 25 year-old said while he was happy to be free of the contract he was disappointed that he was leaving the club for financial reasons.

“I’d rather have had a club come in and buy me and the Roar make some money (off the sale) but it’s fallen this way and that’s football.”

“Brisbane is a massive part of my life and my career. It gave me the opportunity to become a professional footballer and chase my dreams and I’m forever grateful for that.”

It was a big day for Brattan who was also called into Socceroos camp to replace skipper Mile Jedinak.

“It’s an honor to be called up. For me it couldn’t come at a better time, I can clear my head of all this and go in with a clear and mind and look forward to working with Ange and the best players Australia has to offer.”

Brattan praised Roar coach John Aloisi and his staff for their handling of what has been an arduous time for the club.

“I spoke to John and we’re sweet, I’ve been up front the whole time about it. I’m leaving on good terms.

“I kept John and Moorey (Craig Moore) in the loop the whole time. I’ve tried not to disrespect them because they’re ex-players and I’ve taken a lot of advice from them throughout the process.

“They’re probably going to appeal it. John said he’s going to do everything he can to keep me. But I couldn’t be more grateful with how they’ve dealt with it, and I wish them the best of luck. And the way he’s got the boys training, I think they’re going to be great this season.”

“Hopefully all this stuff is sorted out very quickly for the club and the players. The players need security but also so they can fully concentrate on the season coming up.

“But when you go to training you don’t think all this stuff is going on in the background because the players are such professionals and they just get on with. You’d never know we’re not getting paid properly and that’s a credit to the players and the coaching staff.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet, I don’t think it will. I’ve got a lot of best mates in that team and every single player in that team is a great guy and I think that’s the reason we have been successful in the last five years.

“Everyone gets along well. There’s still that completive edge and we can get in arguments in training but as soon as we’re off the field we’re making jokes. I’m going to be really upset to leave. It’s not just the players but the fans as well. I’ve been there seven-eight years now. But that’s football.