Dejan Stefanovic has proved himself to be an assured performer in the Premier League since returning to England with Portsmouth in 2003 and made the move to Fulham at the end of the August 2007 transfer window, to join a number of new faces at the club.

The former Sheffield Wednesday defender did not make much of an impression during three years at Hillsborough and departed after not playing enough games to have his work permit renewed.

But his second spell has proved to be far more successful, leading to the Serbian being handed the captain's armband at Fratton Park.

The player began his career in his home town with Radnicki Nis before being spotted by Crvena Zvezda, otherwise known as Red Star Belgrade. It was in Belgrade that he grew in stature, attracting the attention of Owls boss David Pleat.

The defender signed for Wednesday in December 1995, the same year he made his international debut against Hong Kong, for £2million, making his Owls bow in a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day.

But the young player - he was only 21 when moving to England - struggled to break into the Wednesday side.

In 1998 he fought a battle to keep his work permit after failing to play enough games over the course of the season to qualify. Stefanovic won his appeal, but a year later, after playing only 11 games, he was rejected again and the Owls were forced to release him on a free. Stefanovic played 72 games for the Owls.

After leaving Hillsborough, Stefanovic moved to Italy, signing for Perugia. But it didn't work out and before long he was back in his homeland with OFK Belgrade.

Stefanovic moved to his third club of the 1999/2000 season when transferring to Holland to sign for Vitesse Arnhem where he enjoyed four good seasons as skipper before being tracked by Pompey boss Harry Redknapp.

The player cost the Premiership newcomers £1.85million after he had turned down the chance to join Rangers. He spoke of his love for England and his desire to stay in the country for life.

Stefanovic made his debut in a 2-1 home victory over Aston Villa and became a vital member of the Pompey side which stayed in the top flight.

He retired from international football in 2004.

The defender was named the Pompey fans' Player of the Year for 2004/05.

But he caused controversy under the stewardship of Alain Perrin by criticising his management - and claiming not to be giving 100 per cent. It's also alleged that Stefanovic had a hand in the manager's sacking and the return of Harry Redknapp.

Despite missing a chunk of 2006/07 through injury he remained a vital player for Portsmouth before Sylvain Distin and Hermann Hreidarsson forced him out of the side. He made his 125th appearance for the club at the end of 2006/07.

With playing chances limited on the South coast, Stefanovic joined Lawrie Sanchez's revolution at Fulham, despite interest from Rangers and will fill the gap left by the departing Zat Knight.







source: soccernet

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