Santalab leaves the Western Sydney Wanderers as the club leading all-time goalscorer and a reputation for finding the back of the net when it mattered most.

The Mercury columnist following the Socceroos at the World Cup in Russia, when the Glory announced his signing on Tuesday morning. The 35-year-old’s future had been in doubt for some time after a difficult time this season at the Wanderers, receiving limited playing minutes under Josep Gombau, who was sacked in April after failing to make the A-League finals.

Popovic shocked the Wanderers when he walked out a week before the start of the campaign to join Turkish club Karabukspor, a tenure which last just two months. 

But the stars would align for Santalab and Popovic for another A-League campaign, five years after signing the Wollongong striker at the Wanderers.

“I’m very excited to join Perth Glory Football Club,” Santalab said.

“The opportunity to work under Tony Popovic again was an opportunity too good to miss. I’m looking forward to joining a team with so many fantastic players and meeting the clubs fans.”

Santalab has had a decorated career, from the South Coast to Parramatta Power and Sydney United, to making his name as a prolific scorer with 23 goals in 22 games at Singapore’s Geylang United in 2003.

He played in Europe at Oostende, Sint-Truiden and Újpest FC (loan) in the Belgian top flight, then to Sydney FC and in China with Chengdu Blades and Chongqing Lifan, scoring 33 goals in the top flight. But he is remember in Australia as one of the Wanderers most passionate players.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” Santalab said.

“… I’m delighted with my time at the Wanderers.

“The fans have been instrumental in my success and I have been continuously overwhelmed by the ongoing support the people of Western Sydney have shown me during my five years at the club. Thank you.”