Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has joined Australian side Perth Glory, having been without a club since March 2020.
The 32-year-old has been described by Glory’s chairman as one of the biggest signings “in the history of the A-League.”
Sturridge last played for Turkish club Trabzonspor but his contract was terminated more than 18 months ago, following his four-month worldwide ban for breaching betting rules.
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The ex-England international, who scored 67 goals during his seven-year stay at Liverpool , had most recently been seen on trial with Real Mallorca this summer but has found his route back into the game through Perth Glory.
In the club statement announcing his signing, Sturridge said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to try a new challenge.
"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.”
While significant for Sturridge himself as he makes his return to professional football, Perth Glory’s Chairman and owner appeared to be thrilled at being able to get the deal done.
"Daniel is undoubtedly one of the biggest signings not only in Glory’s history, but in the history of the A-League," 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."
Having been a major part of Brendan Rodgers’ free-scoring side that put the Reds back in title contention in 2013/14, Sturridge is fondly remembered by Liverpool supporters.
He scored 21 league goals in his most prolific season at Anfield, only finishing behind strike partner Luis Suarez in the Premier League’s top scorer chart, as the team finished 2nd in the table.
Despite facing injury trouble throughout his time at the club, Sturridge played a key role in helping to deliver Liverpool’s sixth European Cup. He made seven appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s team along their route to the final, before leaving Liverpool in 2019.
