Why Sydney FC star Alex Wilkinson rejected a desperate approach from the Western Sydney Wanderers

Sydney FC defender Alex Wilkinson was enjoying his off-season when his phone lit up with a call from Western Sydney recruitment guru Eddy Bosnar, desperate to lure the veteran across to the Sky Blues’ arch rivals.

The Wanderers convinced Sydney FC great Milos Ninkovic to jump ship, so why not ask the question? 

Wilkinson thought about wearing the red and black jersey for one minute – and simply couldn’t do it.

‘I’ve been with Sydney FC since 2016 and want to finish my career here,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.

Sydney FC veteran Alex Wilkinson has revealed he turned down an approach from the Wanderers in the off-season

Wanderers coach Marko Rudan lit the fuse earlier this season after talking about a ‘divide’ between residents in Sydney’s east compared to the west

‘I knew Eddy from my time in Korea, so we had a friendly chat, but I could never play for them [Wanderers].

‘In my time with Sydney FC I’ve been fortunate to be successful, and made some great friends along the way.

‘The culture here is great, it was a case of signing a new deal for Sydney FC or I would have retired.’

At 38, Wilkinson is aware each season could be his last.

At his age, he doesn’t have the luxury of multi-year contracts like he did in his heyday. 

A groin injury has seen the former Socceroos defender sidelined for large portions of this campaign and now he is keen to make up for lost time when the rivals square off in their Sydney derby on Saturday.

‘I have been fortunate over the years to avoid long term injuries…so having pelvis surgery was frustrating,’ Wilkinson said.

‘It’s great to be back, I am pumped for the derby. We beat them last time and they got us at our place early in the season, so everything is to play for.’

Milos Ninkovic (right) is a Sydney FC legend – but it didn’t stop him jumping ship and joining the Wanderers in the off-season

Wilkinson also had a message for Sydney FC fans – show your support at Allianz Stadium this weekend.

‘The derby is a chance to make a statement,’ he said. ‘As players, we want the atmosphere to be intimidating for them (Wanderers.)

‘Both team need to win, it will be fiery on Saturday night, especially early on, the first 20 minutes usually sees tackles flying in and chances at both ends.

‘We can’t wait, I’m sure they are the same.’