Rukavytsya says he wants to play in Saturday’s clash which will be played in front of a sell-out 40,000 crowd.
New Western Sydney signing Nikita Rukavytsya says he chose the Wanderers over former club Perth Glory due to the club’s ambition, and added that he would make himself available for Saturday’s derby match against Sydney FC.
SEE MORE: AUSTRALIAN SPORTS NEWS
Beams Brisbane Lions: Collingwood star finally makes the move to the Lions.
Hayne NFL: Eels star quits NRL to focus in NFL career
Trengove trade: Demons midfielder’s move to Richmond called off after persistent injury
The 27-year-old struggled for senior football in the German second division and says the Wanderers are the perfect fit for him as he makes a late push for Asian Cup selection.
“It’s a great club. I’ve followed the league for the last couple of years and the teams been doing great and obviously now they are in the final of the AFC Champions League and its very good for Australian sport,” Rukavytsya told reporters on his arrival at Sydney International Airport.
“They are a very ambitious club, have a good coach and all the coaching staff are at the same level as I am.
“It’s very good for me to keep improving my game and improve as a player. I make choices on what’s best for my career.
“I spoke with Popa a few times and he got me really interested.”
The Ukraine-born attacker said he would make himself available for Saturday’s Sydney Derby, despite only landing in Australian on Wednesday afternoon.
“It’s a big game and I always want to be involved in these games,” Rukavytsya said of playing against Sydney FC.
“That’s why I play football to play as much as possible. The Derby is pretty big and a lot of people are coming, about 40,000 come to the games and obviously it’s a Sydney Serby so it must be big.”