Marquee man ... Marcos Flores (C) may have played his last game for the Victory. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited
FORMER A-League player of the year Marcos Flores has signed a one-year deal with the reigning champions Central Coast just hours after being released by Melbourne Victory.
The 27-year-old had been heavily linked to a move to the Mariners with the club confirming the speculation in a statement on Friday.
Flores, who was a marquee player in his one season at the Victory, will take a pay cut to play with the Mariners, fitting under the salary cap at his new club.
Mariners coach Graham Arnold is looking to rebuild his squad after losing the likes of Bernie Ibini (Shanghai East Asia), Mathew Ryan (Club Brugge), Oliver Bozanic (Luzern) and Pedj Bojic (Sydney FC) in the off-season.
The coach plans to slot Flores into the playmaker role vacated by young star Tomas Rogic, who made the move to Scottish club Celtic in the January transfer window.
"We are excited to have signed such a talented player as Marcos Flores," Arnold said.
"It is well known that Marcos was Victory's marquee player last year, so for us to not only sign him but fit him inside the salary cap is a fantastic coup for the club.
"We are sure Marcos will be a great addition to the team."
Flores had an injury-interrupted year at the Victory, playing 22 times and scoring four goals but never really hitting the heights of his previous A-League stint at Adelaide United.
But he vows his best is yet to come.
"I am so happy to be able to play again with a smile on my face," Flores said.
"I am ready to eat the world for the Mariners.
"They are the champions, they are always successful and it is exciting to join Arnie as he wants me to be his number 10.
"I have been good in the A-League before but, with the Mariners, I will be better."
The Argentine attacker claimed goal-of-the-year honours last season with the Victory for his wonder strike against Wellington Phoenix, in which he worked a neat pair of one-twos with teammate Gui Finkler.
But as the club's international marquee, Flores' move frees up an important spot for the Victory to secure a high-profile player.
Victory have been chasing Greek captain Giorgos Karagounis.
The 36-year-old ex-Fulham and Panathinaikos midfielder would be an ideal fit for the marquee position if his wage demands could be met.
Speculation is growing that Flores's departure will pave the way for the club to sign Giorgos Karagounis, though recent media reports from Greece are claiming the national team captain will remain at EPL outfit Fulham.
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