Stephen Robinson has confirmed that Nicolas Milanovic made it clear he wanted to go back to Western Sydney Wanderers after a miserable year at Aberdeen.
The Australian international has returned home after his former club agreed a deal to take him back to the A-League. Milanovic signed as Australia’s best young player but failed to make an impact at Pittodrie.
Aberdeen paid around £400,000 to land the winger but the Dons had to take a hit on his return fee, although they could make more with future add-ons that are built in.
Robinson confirmed: “Milanovic has returned to Sydney. Nico is a great lad and I get on really well with him. He didn’t play a lot last season. Scottish football is hard to play in. You need more than technical ability. You have to have the fight and drive and be able to cope to play in Scotland.
“It is a hard league. A lot of people have come and failed, not through a lack of ability but sometimes certain situations suit you and sometimes they don’t He made it clear he wanted to go and play elsewhere. I have reiterated I want people who are 100% committed to Aberdeen.
“He had an opportunity and we thought it was good for both parties. We wish him well.”
Robinson knows when it comes to Scottish football you need more than just natural talent and that is what they have factored into their summer recruitment.
“Character is equally important,” the Aberdeen boss insisted.
“Everybody you are look at for Aberdeen FC has got talent. “There is no question about that. Can they use that talent and can they transfer those skills from the league they are coming from.
“That is something I’ve tried to bring into the recruitment: where they are coming from will it be replicated in Scottish football?”
Robinson has already signed 11 players this summer and is still in the market for another defender and winger.
Defender Jadel Katongo from Kayserispor is one on the radar, although it could very well be financially challenging to get over the line.
“He is one of many I have looked at,” Robinson acknowledged.
“Discussing other people’s players is not something I am in the habit of doing. There is a long list of players we are looking at.
“I get players put to me everyday by the recruitment team and Lutz. You have to take everything in and see what best suits us, what is available and what is doable.
“We would have a squad of about 500 if I commented on everybody we have been linked with. Every manager is looking to strengthen. I am looking to strengthen in certain areas. “If the right player comes up then I will look at it. We are still looking.”