Duff joins Melbourne City FC on one-year deal

DAMIEN Duff has signed for Melbourne City FC on a one-year contract, management agency IKON Talent has confirmed.
 

The 35-year-old former Republic of Ireland international says he is 'excited' to be embarking on a new venture to the Hyundai A-League. Duff's departure from relegated Fulham was announced last month following the club's relegation from the Premier League.
 

The Dublin, who spent five seasons at Craven Cottage, is looking forward to the move Down Under.
 

"They’re a very ambitious club with great plans, and I’m looking forward to winning things at Melbourne City," Duff said.
 

“This is a new challenge for me and one I’m very much looking forward to. I’ve been lucky enough to spend a long time playing in the Premier League, which I’ve really enjoyed. This move will be something different for me, and is a very exciting next step.
 

“I hope to be able to help Melbourne City win games, and also hopefully I can pass my experience to their younger players. It’s a very exciting project to be involved in, and I’m eager to get started.”
 

Duff made 100 appearances for Ireland. He played his last international game in the 2-0 Euro 2012 defeat to Italy in Poznan, a game in which Duff captained Ireland.
 

Duff was given his senior Irish debut by Mick McCarthy in March 1998 against the Czech Republic. At the Under-20 World Cup in 1999, Duff created history when he scored the first-ever Golden Goal in a World Cup match as Ireland defeated Morocco on their way to finishing third. Duff also played for Ireland at the 2002 World Cup and scored one of his eight international goals in the 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia in Yokohama.
 

Melbourne coach John van't Schip is delighted to secure Duff's signature as the club's third visa player for the new season - they are allowed another two.
 

“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."
 

Duff has two Premier League medals from his time at Chelsea and has won the League Cup with Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers, while he played for Fulham in the 2010 Europa League final, a game they lost 2-1 to Atlético Madrid in Hamburg.
 

In a recent interview, Duff signalled his intention to finish his career by playing in the League of Ireland when he said: "I'm not planning on hanging up my boots any time soon, I think there's an awful lot more left in the tank. I need to get back fit first but I'm absolutely, definitely going to play at home in Ireland."