We’ve picked out ten pieces of information to help you get to know a little bit more about our second new signing of the summer, Antoni Sarcevic.
- Although his professional career began with Crewe Alexandra, Sarcevic spent eight years in the youth system at Manchester City before his departure as a 15 year-old in 2007. Born in the City, the midfielder is a lifelong fan of the club too.
- Sarcevic has represented England! During his time in non-league with Chester, he was called up to play for England C in 2013. The ‘C’ team is effectively a selection of the best English players outside of the top four levels of the game, and he scored in his only appearance – a friendly against Bermuda.
- Born and raised in Manchester, a boyhood Manchester City fan and an England C international, Sarcevic also has Italian and Serbian descendants. His Nanna was from Italy and his Grandad from Serbia.
- Making his professional debut for Crewe Alexandra in February 2011, Sarcevic managed to get on the scoresheet for the Railwaymen, but it wasn’t a result that went his side’s way. Northampton Town came from a goal down to secure a 6-2 win at Sixfields. Luke Murphy played 90 minutes for Crewe that day.
- Signing for Fleetwood Town in June 2013, Sarcevic was to play a decisive role for the Cod Army during his first season at the club and only their second in the Football League. Reaching the Play-Off Final against Burton Albion, his free-kick was the difference at Wembley Stadium and proved enough to earn Town a promotion to League One. The goal was his 15th of the season.
- He scored his first Football League hat-trick for Fleetwood in a 5-4 victory against Mansfield Town at Highbury in November 2013. His third goal of the game was a dramatic winner in the last minute from the penalty spot after Mansfield had equalised through Ross Dyer in the 89th minute.
- Three promotions from Sky Bet League Two. The 28 year-old has earned promotion from the fourth tier of English football on three occasions. Once with Fleetwood Town (2013/14) and twice with Plymouth Argyle (2016/17 and 2019/20). Eoin Doyle too has three promotions from League Two in his CV. Undeniable pedigree.
- Manchester Messi. The nickname is one that was adopted by the Plymouth Argyle supporters who saw him put in some consistent displays en route to promotion back to Sky Bet League One. His performances last season saw him voted as the club’s Player of the Year for the 2019/20 campaign.
- Sarcevic scored 11 times last season for Argyle; his second best seasonal goal tally since his return to the Football League in 2013. Five of his goals came from the penalty spot with a good number of his goals in open play scored from the edge of or outside of the penalty area. Sharp shooter.
- He came up against the Wanderers at the University of Bolton Stadium last season. Playing the entirety of the match, his Argyle side edged the tie with a 1-0 victory to earn progression into the second round of the FA Cup. Callum McFadzean’s 11th minute goal proved enough to see Ryan Lowe’s outfit win the match.