The former Liverpool star has found a new home after more than a year away from football
Daniel Sturridge has signed for A-League team Perth Glory, the club announced on Thursday.
He hasn’t competed in a professional match since 2020 amid injury concerns and a betting rule violation.
Now healthy, the 32-year-old will look to excite in Australia, where officials are calling him one of the nation’s biggest signings.
What has been said?
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to try a new challenge,” Sturridge said in a statement posted to the club’s official website.
“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.”
ST-UUU-RRR-III-DGE!
Perth Glory is very proud to announce the signing of the one and only, @DanielSturridge.
Welcome to the Glory family, Daniel!@aleaguemen @InceptionVideo @MacronSports @bhp @nicheliving @Live_Lighter #OneGlory pic.twitter.com/W03S5kwrbg— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) October 1, 2021
Chairman Tony Sage added: “Daniel is undoubtedly one of the biggest signings not only in Glory’s history, but in the history of the A-League.
“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.”
Where has Sturridge played?
The striker had his best years at Liverpool, where he managed 51 goals and 15 assists in seven Premier League seasons. Before that, he spent time with Chelsea, Bolton and Manchester City, and amid his Liverpool spell, he suited up briefly for West Brom.
Sturridge’s last act before more than a year out of competitive football was a stint in Turkey playing at Trabzonspor.
He now hopes to finish out his career on his own terms, health willing, and will be met with plenty of fanfare as he begins a new chapter in Australia.
When does the A-League season start?
Perth will begin their domestic campaign on November 20 at home against Adelaide United.
Further reading
Source: Source: Goal
