Melbourne City FC is pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen ahead of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season.
Sorensen, 39, joins Melbourne City FC on a two year deal, and is the Club’s ninth signing ahead of the new season, following the additions of Ivan Franjic, Steve Kuzmanovski, Corey Gameiro, Harry Novillo, Aaron Hughes, Michael Zullo, Wade Dekker and Bruno Fornaroli.
Known for his athleticism and reputation as a penalty-saving specialist, Sorensen began his career with boyhood club Odense BK, with impressive form during loan spells at Velje and Svendborg earning comparisons to Danish goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel.
A veteran of over 350 matches in the English top flight, Sorensen joined First Division club Sunderland in 1998, where he made 171 appearances and played an integral part in the club’s promotion to the English Premier League.
After establishing himself as a fan favourite on Wearside, Sorensen developed his reputation as one of the country’s premier shot-stoppers during his time at Aston Villa, making 139 appearances before moving to newly promoted club Stoke City in 2008, where he helped the Potters consolidate their place in the Premier League.
At an international level, Sorensen made 101 international appearances for Denmark during a 10-year spell as first choice goalkeeper, representing his country at two UEFA European Championships and two FIFA World Cups.
Melbourne City FC Head Coach John van’t Schip said Sorensen would bring a wealth of experience and further strengthen the Melbourne City squad’s professional dynamic.
“We’re very excited to welcome Thomas to Melbourne,” van’t Schip said.
“Having played all of his career at such an elite level, we are confident Thomas will approach his time at the Club with great ambition and determination.
“We also believe he will be an incredibly important figure for the development of our younger players and will act as the very finest mentor for all the goalkeepers in the Club.”
Managing Director of City Football Services, Brian Marwood said: “Thomas epitomises modern professionalism. We are delighted to welcome a player of his calibre to Melbourne City. We are excited by his potential to contribute both on and off the field at this stage of the Club’s evolution.”
Sorensen, who spent last week training in England at Manchester City FC’s City Football Academy, said he jumped at the opportunity to join Melbourne City FC.
“When this opportunity came up there was no hesitation because it’s an ambitious Club,” Sorensen said.
“I think for the Club and for me personally the aim is to get to the top; we obviously want to win a championship and a Cup and that’s one of the reasons why I wanted to come.
“Hopefully I can use my experience and help the club get where it wants to go; I’m here to do my utmost, I’m really looking forward to it; it’s a fantastic challenge.”
Sorensen will wear the number 1 jersey and fills Melbourne City FC’s final visa position.
