Daniel Sturridge joins Perth Glory in ‘one of biggest signings in A-League history’

Sturridge has waited 19 months for a new club since receiving a ban for breaching FA gambling regulations

Daniel Sturridge spent six-and-a-half seasons at Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Archive)

Daniel Sturridge has signed for Perth Glory in “one of the biggest A-League signings ever” after a 19-month wait for a new club.

The England international left Turkish club Trabzonspor in March 2020, having scored four goals in 11 appearances, after being given a four-month ban for breaking the Football Association’s gambling regulations.

The Premier League and Champions League winner had been training with Real Mallorca this summer while his search for a side continued.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to try a new challenge,” the 32-year-old said. “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.”

The former Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea striker has one of the highest profiles of a signing in Australian A-League history.

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

Sturridge, who won 26 caps and scored eight goals for England, follows the likes of Robbie Fowler, Dwight Yorke, William Gallas, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill as ex-Premier League players who moved to the Australia league.