Former Atalanta forward Josip Ilicic has returned to NK Maribor as a free agent. The player left La Dea at the end of the season after mutually agreeing to leave. He has now returned home to Slovenia, after spending ten years in Italy.
He made 173 appearances across all competitions, scoring 60 goals and providing 44 assists for the club. In 2010, the player was briefly on the books of Maribor, before moving to Palermo. Ilicic now has a three year contract with the club until 2025.
Josip Ilicic joins NK Maribor as a free agent
The 34-year-old’s arrival has been confirmed by the club on their official website as well, and he will be wearing the number 72 jersey.
“A big event for everyone, it’s about a matter that undoubtedly stands out of the box and means a lot. Not only for Maribor, but for Slovenian football in general. It is about a special bond that was forged between Josip and Maribor, which also led to a positive outcome of a demanding challenge.
“The idea, which may have seemed unrealistic to some, has been realized. A lot of work and energy had to be invested in order for us to succeed. But Josip is here, he chose Maribor and that’s why Maribor is different from the others. This time, the presentation of the reinforcement is different, because we are announcing the income of a player, about whom there is no point in wasting words. He marked the history of Maribor and Slovenian football, but he still has golden years ahead of him,” sports director Marko Šuler said about Ilicic’s arrival.
