Damien Duff on the ball for Fulham in the just-completed English Premier League season. Source: Getty Images
MELBOURNE City have made their second international signing in a week, bringing Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff to the A-League club on a one-year deal.
Duff has a century of caps for Ireland and more than a decade’s experience in the English Premier League, including two winner’s medals from his time with Chelsea.
He joins Spanish World Cup winner David Villa, who joins the club on a 10-match guest stint following the World Cup.
Melbourne City coach John van `t Schip said Duff would be a terrific example for younger members of the team while still performing on the pitch.
“His career speaks for itself,” he said.
“He has achieved almost everything at club level and has been a great player at an international level too.
“He comes to us straight from the English Premier League with Fulham, so he has been playing at the highest level against top teams and top players.”
Duff played for Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Fulham in the Premier League.
He was released from Fulham last month after the club’s relegation.
City, known as Melbourne Heart until a name-change was ratified last week, still have room for a monster international signing as Duff’s wages will come from inside the club’s salary cap.
The club has two international spaces left, as well as an Australian marquee slot free, and are expected to make splashes with all three positions.
City also confirmed contract extensions to teenage talents Stefan Mauk and Benjamin Garuccio.
Mauk will be with the club for two more seasons while Garuccio is now contracted for the next three.
The club began pre-season training this week but Duff will not arrive in Melbourne until July. AAP
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