Damien Duff signs one-year deal with Melbourne City

Melbourne City have confirmed that former Republic of Ireland international Damien Duff has agreed a one-year deal to join the Australian club on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old, who won the Premier League twice with Chelsea and earned 100 caps, left Fulham at the end of last season after spending five years at Craven Cottage.

Duff joins ahead of the 2014-15 A-League campaign as Melbourne City’s 18th confirmed squad member, with speculation set to continue over further high profile arrivals at the club.

Melbourne City have already confirmed that David Villa will join the club on a short-term loan before linking up with sister club New York City for the 2015 MLS campaign.

Head coach Johnny van’t Schip said Duff’s vast experience in England would be integral to the team and would assist in the development of the squad’s younger players.

“We’re excited to have a player of Damien’s quality and experience for this season,” he said.

“We believe he can offer international standard quality on the pitch and will also be a great professional example for our younger players.

“His career speaks for itself. 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.

“When we met with Damien, he was excited about the opportunity here and keen to work with us to help make this project a success.”