Kitchee sign Dejan Damjanovic to add AFC Champions League experience

Damjanovic is second-highest goal scorer in Asia’s elite club competition, just one behind South Korea’s Lee Dong-gook

Kitchee boss Ken Ng has not ruled out more recruits as he targets a strong run in the 2021 AFC Champions League and domestic honours

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Dejan Damjanovic (centre), seen in action for Suwon Samsung Bluewings, is heading to Hong Kong to play for Kitchee. Photo: AFP

Published: 3:44pm, 9 Jan 2021Updated: 10:59pm, 9 Jan 2021

Hong Kong Premier League champions Kitchee have swooped for one of the most successful strikers in AFC Champions League history as they strengthen their squad in a bid for domestic and continental honours in 2021.

The 10-time Hong Kong league champions on Saturday announced the signing of 39-year-old Montenegro veteran Dejan Damjanovic, whose 14 years in Asia in South Korea, China and Saudi Arabia have generated more than 350 goals.

The tally includes 36 in the AFC Champions League (ACL), second to South Korea’s Lee Dong-gook, with Kitchee offering him the chance to catch up and overtake the former South Korean international.

“He also has a wealth of experience in the AFC Champions League. His rich experience in the Asian game is of great help to the team,” said Kitchee boss Ken Ng Kin.

Damjanovic was a free agent, according to transfermarkt.com, having left South Korean side Daegu on Monday. He has played for four teams in South Korea, scoring twice over two legs in the 2013 ACL final and winning the MVP award though his FC Seoul side were beaten on away goals by China’s Guangzhou Evergrande.