A-League club Central Coast Mariners have pulled off a major coup by signing Spanish attacking midfielder Luis Garcia.
The 37-year-old former Liverpool and Barcelona star has joined the Mariners for the remainder of the 2015/16 season in what is one of the biggest marquee signings in Australia's top flight in recent times.
Garcia last played in the Indian Super League with Atletico de Kolkata with whom he won the 2014 title but is ready and raring to go to make an impact at his new club despite taking no part in competitive football last year.
“I am delighted to be joining a club like the Central Coast Mariners. This is an exciting challenge for me to play in the Hyundai A-League and with such a progressive club like the Mariners," Garcia said in a statement released by the club.
“I am really looking forward to being on the Coast, meeting my fellow players, meeting the fans and to entertain them with my style of play.
“One of the things that attracted me to the Club was the opportunity to share my experience with a young playing group. I am also looking forward to playing football in one of the most beautiful places in the world."
'Lucho', as he is affectionately known, won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 as well as the UEFA Super Cup the same year before clinching the 2006 FA Cup with the Anfield outfit.
During his career he has also played for such clubs as Spanish trio Barca, Atletico Madrid, Racing Santander, Greek giants Panathinaikos and Mexican duo Puebla and UNAM Pumas.
BREAKING | #CCMFC Have landed the biggest name in the @ALeague. Welcome, @LuchoGarcia14https://t.co/l5L2rQwKGLpic.twitter.com/AtcHbjzoSV
— #CCMFC (@CCMariners) January 16, 2016