Melbourne Heart FC has received a massive boost ahead of the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season by announcing the signing of Brazilian midfielder Fred.
The former DC United and Philadelphia Union star has signed for the Club on a two-year deal, joining Curtis Good and Mate Dugandzic as the latest additions to the Heart roster.
According to Head Coach John van 't Schip, Fred's capture will provide Heart with the ideal creative outlet in the attacking third.
"Fred is a player who the people of Melbourne love and a player we have had an interest in since the club started. He is a very athletic and skilful player who can change a match with his vision and running," he said.
"Everyone in Melbourne knows his quality and we look forward to his contribution in the Red and White over the coming years."
An attacking midfielder, the 31-year old is well known to Australian football fans for his exploits in Season 2 of the Hyundai A-League, dazzling with his energy and slight of foot.
Producing four assists in the 2007 Grand Final, Fred's stellar performance secured his place as one of the most exciting players to ever grace the Hyundai A-League.
And now following a successful five-year stint in the United States' Major League Soccer, where he was part of the DC side which claimed the 2007 MLS Supporters Shield and 2008 US Open Cup, the Belo Horizonte native will return to the competition where he made his name in Red and White.
