MILE Sterjovski says he will be a Derby County supporter for life following his 18-month spell with the Rams.

Sterjovski returned to Australia to join A-League side Perth Glory this month after being told he could not be guaranteed first-team football at Pride Park.

But the 30-year-old says he has no regrets about his time in England, where he settled well with his wife, Sharon, and two sons, Luka and Sonny.

"I'm going to be a Derby county supporter for life because it's a great club and I loved my time there," said Sterjovksi.

"I've kept in touch with Stephen Bywater, Tyrone Mears and others and I will always be grateful for the friendships I made with my team-mates and the support of the Derby fans.

"My family was very settled in Derby and we love the city and the friendliness of the people and the way they made us so welcome.

"Everything off the field was perfect and we were only talking about this the other day when we said, as a family, that we couldn't have asked any more from the club and the local people."

Sterjovski is hoping to make the Australia squad for next summer's World Cup in South Africa.

He played 90 minutes as the Socceroos finished their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Japan in Melbourne this week.

But in order to give himself the best chance of making the World Cup, he needs to be playing regularly for his club.

"I just didn't suit the style of player that Nigel Clough wanted at the club," Sterjovski explained.

"Nigel never told me how I could play more games or if there was something specific I needed to work on to improve my technique.

"It was disappointing because I felt I deserved more but I don't have any hard feelings because everything was very positive for me and my family at Derby.

"Sometimes, I guess it happens at all clubs, managers don't pick certain players for whatever reason.

"Nigel made a professional decision that I didn't fit in with the team's requirements but these things happen and everyone has to move on.

"I was also concerned, with next year being a World Cup year, that if I didn't play enough games, it could impact on my chances of playing for the Socceroos, which is another part of the reason why I signed a contract with Perth Glory."