Former Premier League Striker Daniel Sturridge Signs For A-League Club

Daniel Sturridge is heading Down Under.

The former Liverpool, Chelsea and England striker has joined A-League club Perth Glory in what's being described as "one of the biggest deals" in the competition's history.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to try a new challenge," he said in a statement released by the club.

"When the opportunity came about, it felt like the right thing to do, to take my talent somewhere where I can enjoy my football in a competitive league and try and help the team be as successful as they possibly can be.

"I'm going to put my best foot forward, work hard and try and help the team win each game that comes by and then we'll see where we end up when the season finishes.

"I can't wait to play at HBF Park and hopefully put a smile on a lot of faces."

PA

PA

According to reports, the 31-year-old has penned a one-year deal with Glory following a stint in Turkey with Trabzonspor where he bagged seven goals in just 16 appearances.

Since parting ways with the Turkish club, interest in acquiring Sturridge's services has been limited with only a few genuine offers received.

Now, though, one of the A-League's biggest teams has swooped in at the last minute and locked in a proven goalscorer who is still arguably in the prime years of his career.

"Daniel is undoubtedly one of the biggest signings not only in Glory's history, but in the history of the A-League," Glory owner Tony Sage said.

"His arrival signals in no uncertain terms how determined we are to bring sustained success to the club and the lengths we will go to in order to achieve that goal.

"We know the elite-level quality Daniel will bring to the side and are hugely excited to see him wearing the famous purple this season."

The A-League has seen a bunch of top-level talent walks through its doors in recent years, most notably World Cup winner and Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero who took the league by storm after signing with Sydney FC.

The Italian's arrival in 2012 brought a buzz to the A-League - the sort of hype Perth fans will be hoping Sturridge delivers too.

"Daniel's quality on the park speaks for itself," Glory coach Richard Garcia said.

"It is fantastic for the club and the league that a player of Daniel's calibre is joining us.

"His motivation and drive aligns with the values and ambitions of the team and the club as a whole."

Topics: Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge, Chelsea, Football, A-League, Premier League, Perth Glory, Transfer news, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry