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Atlético Ottawa signs colossal Canadian defender Amer Didić
April 4, 2024
2024 Season 2024 Season Seat Membership Amer Didić Atlético Ottawa Canadian Premier League MACRON News Player News Season Seat Memberships TD Place

Atlético Ottawa is delighted to announce the signing of Canadian international defender Amer Didić ahead of the 2024 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season. Didić joins on a free transfer and has signed a one-year contract with an option to extend for another season.

The 29-year-old defender, who made his debut in 2020, has featured twice for the Canadian Men’s National Team and was highly coveted after he left CPL side Pacific FC at the end of the 2023 season. Didić has a proven track record as one of the best defenders to have played in the CPL, having featured every season since the CPL was founded in 2019 and standing out as one of the top players each campaign.

Atlético Ottawa defender Amer Didić (right) with CEO Fernando López at TD Place (credit: Chris Hue / Atlético Ottawa)

“With the addition of Amer we signed one of the most reliable defenders in the league,” said Carlos González, CEO, Atlético Ottawa. “We consolidated our back line with a player that has a natural ability to win individual battles, very powerful in the aerial game and with a very safe building of the offensive play. We are very happy to have him in red and white since apart from his qualities already mentioned, he will provide us with experience and leadership from the defensive line.”

“This is going to be a new challenge, and that’s something I was looking for, a new environment,” said Didić. “Ottawa was able to provide me with this type of thing. The club’s vision lines up with me in terms of football, as well as being able to live in this city. Every time I’ve come here, the fans have been loud, the supporters section is thriving, and the environment around the stadium has a real buzz. It was always special winning three points here, and now I’m on the other side of things it’s something I’m going to take great pride in. It’s going to be exciting.”

Didić has 91 appearances in the CPL (113 appearances in all competitions since 2019) and has proven to be a colossal player at both ends of the pitch. The 29-year-old central defender has scored nine (9) goals and provided six (6) assists in the last five seasons while proving one of the best defenders in the league’s history. Standing at 6ft 4in (195cm), Didić is an imposing presence in both boxes. He ended the 2023 season with the most Aerial Duels Won (92), a clear front-runner in the category. He has consistently been one of the best passers in the league, making him ideally suited for Ottawa’s playing style.

“We are thrilled to add Amer to our squad for the 2024 season,” said Fernando López, CEO, Atlético Ottawa. “His leadership qualities, locker room presence and track record speaks for itself. Amer has demonstrated his immense value both on and off the pitch since the first days of the CPL. His experience, professionalism, and presence will make him a natural leader within our team.”