Sturridge joins Perth Glory to end 19-month wait

 

Daniel Sturridge has signed for Perth Glory on a free transfer, 19 months after he left Turkish side Trabzonspor.

The 32-year-old former England and Liverpool striker had been out of the game since March 2020 after being handed a four-month ban for breaching the FA’s gambling regulations.

As he searched for a new club, Sturridge trained with Real Mallorca during the summer, and Perth Glory have now recruited the Champions League and Premier League winner for the A-League 2021-22 season.

“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.

“I can’t wait to play at HBF Park and hopefully put a smile on a lot of faces.

Sturridge is the latest high-profile player to move to Australia, following in the footsteps of former Premier League stars including Robbie Fowler, Dwight Yorke, William Gallas, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill.

READ ALSO Sturridge sends emotional message to Liverpool supporters

At international level, Sturridge was part of England’s squads at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016, scoring eight goals in 26 appearances, while he also featured for Team GB at the 2012 Olympics in London.

“Daniel’s quality on the park speaks for itself “and it is fantastic for the club and the league that a player of Daniel’s calibre is joining us,” Glory head coach Richard Garcia said.

“His motivation and drive aligns with the values and ambitions of the team and the club as a whole.”

Glory chairman and owner Tony Sage added: “Daniel is undoubtedly one of the biggest signings not only in Glory’s history, but in the history of the A-League