Sydney FC have bolstered their defensive stocks with the club announcing the signing of Caltex Socceroos defender Alex Wilkinson on a two year contract.
The AFC Asian Cup 2015 winner boasts a vast array of international, domestic and continental experience, having claimed two K-League classic titles with Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in 2014 and 2015, as well as 16 Socceroos caps.
Wilkinson was included in the Socceroos FIFA World Cup 2014 squad in Brazil under Ange Postecoglou and played in every minute of Australia’s three group matches against Chile, Netherlands and Spain.
The 31-year-old also helped the national team lift the AFC Asian Cup last year and has experience of five AFC Champions League campaigns.
The central defender was also voted in the K-League best XI in 2014 and said he was looking forward to representing his home city in the Hyundai A-League.
“It feels great to be coming back to Sydney and playing for the club that represents my home city,” he said.
“Sydney FC is a huge club and I have no doubt we will be challenging for the title next season.
“There are a core group of very good players at the club and next season I believe we will be more than capable of winning silverware.
“It’s going to be a great challenge for me and I can’t wait to link up with the squad.”
Coach Graham Arnold praised Wilkinson’s credentials and said the two-time Hyundai A-League Premiership winner will play a key role in the Sky Blues title charge in season 2016/17.
“Alex has great experience in all forms of football and brings with him a wealth of knowledge of the game having played in Australia as well as overseas and at international level,” he said.
“He was outstanding in the Socceroos World Cup campaign in Brazil and in the Asian Cup winning side last year and has an exceptional work ethic and leadership qualities.
“He will bring added stability to our back line and will help improve the game of our younger boys and those around him.”
Wilkinson, who hails from Ryde in Sydney, is expected to link up with his Sky Blues team mates shortly in preparation for the Socceroos games against England and Greece. He will be available for selection in Sydney FC’s AFC Champions League 2016 squad should the Sky Blues progress to the quarter-finals.
ALEX WILKINSON
Age: 31
Date of Birth: 13 August 1984
Place of Birth: Sydney
Club career:
2002-2004 Northern Spirit 45 games (0 goals)
2004 Ryde City Gunners 19 (3)
2004-2005 Manly United 15 (0)
2005-12 Central Coast Mariners 172 (2)
2012-15 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (Korea Republic) 82 (2)
2016 Melbourne City 10 (0)
2016 - Sydney FC
Honours:
Hyundai A-League Premiership – 2007/08, 2011/12 (Central Coast Mariners).
K-League Classic – 2014, 2015 (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors).
K-League Best XI – 2014 (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors).
AFC Asian Cup – 2015 (Australia).
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