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Official: Melbourne Heart sign former Australia international Richard Garcia
Aug 23, 2012 6:20:00 AM
The 30-year-old, who has spent his entire senior career in the UK, has returned to Australia to sign a one-year deal with Melbourne Heart
Melbourne Heart has signed Australia international Richard Garcia on a one-year deal.
Garcia - capable of playing in midfield and attack - was not offered a new contract with Championship club Hull City in May and joins new signings Josip Tadic, Patrick Gerhardt, Dylan Macallister, Golgol Mebrahtu, Andrew Redmayne, Steven Gray and David Vrankovic for the new A-League season.
The Perth-born utility spent more than a decade in England, making over 250 first team appearances for West Ham, Leyton Orient, Colchester United and Hull, while he has earned 14 caps for the Socceroos and was a squad member for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Heart head coach John Aloisi believes the 30-year-old's experience at both club and international level will be a priceless asset for the Melbourne outfit.
"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," Aloisi 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."
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