Serbian central-defender
Dejan Stefanovic joined Norwich City on 18th July 2008 for an
undisclosed fee from Fulham.
Stefanovic began his career in his home town with Dinamo Vranje
before being signed by Red Star Belgrade. Whilst there he made
his international debut for FR Yugoslavia, aged 20, against Hong
Kong in January 1995.
In 1996, he signed for Sheffield Wednesday for £2million
but struggled to break into the first team and was released in
1998/99 after playing just 72 games. He signed for Italian side
Perugia. He returned to Serbia with OFK Belgrade before joining
Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem.
After four years in Holland where he became club captain, Stefanovic
returned to England joining Portsmouth for £1.85m at the
start of the 2003/4 season. He made 112 appearances for Pompey
and became a fan favourite, winning Player of the Year in 2004/5
and was named club captain by Alain Perrin.
The arrivals of Hermann Hreidarsson and Sylvain Distin during
the summer of 2007 cast his position as a first team regular into
doubt and he was replaced as captain by Sol Campbell for the 2007/08
season. In August 2007 Rangers revealed an interest in signing
Stefanovic but he signed for Fulham. Having spent less than a
year at Craven Cottage and makin just 13 appearances, he moved
to Norwich City on 18 July 2008, agreeing a two year deal.
An knee ligament injury sustained against Preston in November
2008 meant that Dejan had to miss the rest of the 2008/9 season
following a successful operation.
Norwich announced on 6th August 2009 that Stefanovic is looking
to leave Carrow Road and seek a fresh challenge elsewhere. Speaking
to the club's official website, Norwich City boss Bryan
Gunn said: "We are in negotiations with Dejan and
his representative regarding the settlement of his contract. He's
indicated that he would like to pursue other options which may
be available to him, and maybe look to settle back in the south
of the country. So we're currently in negotiations but Dejan continues
to train with us which gives him an opportunity to overcome his
injury. We'll keep everyone informed as to how negotiations go
in due course."
Dejan finally left Norwich on 1st September 2009 with his contract
terminated
On 8th October 2010, Stefanovic signed for Conference South side
Havant & Waterlooville.
He is now President of the Slovenian footballers and sportsment union,