Melbourne Heart FC has underlined its ambition with the signing of 2010 World Cup Socceroo Richard Garcia.
Melbourne Heart FC has underlined its ambition with the signing of 2010 World Cup Socceroo Richard Garcia.
Garcia, 30, has signed on for the 2012/13 Hyundai A-League Season, joining the likes of former Dinamo Zagreb star Josip Tadic and Liberian international Patrick Gerhardt in the Red and White-s squad for the upcoming campaign.
Head Coach John Aloisi is thrilled with Garcia-s capture, convinced his experience and undoubted ability, honed during a decade-long spell in England will place him in good stead to excel in the Hyundai A-League.
“Richard can play a number of roles. For the national team, he played across the front line and in England he spent a considerable amount of time in the midfield, which is the role we see him playing for us,” he said.
“The experience he possesses isn-t something you encounter too often. Having been a professional in England for 10 years at a high level, and as a World Cup veteran, he will assume a leadership role on the pitch and will be an important guide for our younger players.”
“We are striking an excellent balance within the squad at the moment. We have some exciting youngsters who are still growing as players and have added a number of established players with elite exposure and have enjoyed success.”
A product of West Ham United-s revered youth system, graduating alongside the likes of Manchester United star Michael Carrick and Liverpool-s Joe Cole, the Perth-born Garcia forged an enviable career abroad, making over 250 first team appearances for the likes of the Hammers and Hull City, including 57 in the English Premier League.
Earning 14 caps at senior international level, Garcia was named in the Socceroos squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, featuring in the starting eleven during Australia-s opening group match against Germany before making a substitute appearance in the side-s 2-1 triumph over Serbia.
