Former Reading FC winger released by Paul Ince seals transfer to 11th club after Croatia return

Former Reading FC winger Alen Halilovic has secured a move back to his homeland with HNK Rijeka.

It is the 11th different club for the Croatian, who spent last season at Royals, where he made 12 appearances and scored one goal. Halilovic, whose former sides include Barcelona and AC Milan, was one of a number of players released by Paul Ince at the end of last season.

The 26-year-old never actually played under Ince - in part because of injury - appearing on the bench just twice after the manager's arrival in February. His final outing in a Reading shirt proved to be the disastrous 2-1 FA Cup defeat against non-league side Kidderminster Harriers back in January. He only lasted 40 minutes of the game at Aggborough before he limped off injured.

Royals fans and former boss Veljko Paunovic had high hopes for Halilovic when he signed last summer following his release from Birmingham City. However, despite showing glimpses of his talent, the forward never got going and he was let go as part of Ince's summer clear-out.

Rijeka finished fourth in the Croatian top division last season with 65 points from 36 matches. They finished 14 points behind winners Dinamo Zagreb, the club where Halilovic started his career.

Speaking about the move, he said: "I have been in contact with Rijeka for a long time. I wanted to return to Croatia this season, [so] I am satisfied and happy to be here in Rijeka. We talked for a long time and I know the club well and that's why I decided to take that step.

"I followed the league last season, more than ever, it was very interesting and that's an even bigger motivation for me. A good team is working this season, there is a good atmosphere and I insisted that I come as early as possible and that we start