Socceroos defender Chris Coyne sought the blessing of national coach Pim Verbeek before agreeing to join Perth Glory for the next three A-League seasons.
Verbeek has made no secret of his preference for players to remain in the higher quality leagues of Europe rather than return to Australia ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
But 30-year-old Coyne, who on Friday was granted a release from English League One club Colchester United, said Verbeek had no problem with his move to the Glory, where he will link up with fellow Socceroos Mile Sterjovski and Jacob Burns.
“He will definitely have more opportunity to see me playing week in and week out which helped me make the decision,” Coyne said.
“I feel as though I’m coming back while I still have plenty of good football to play and can offer Perth Glory my best.”
Coyne knocked back more lucrative offers from clubs in England, Asia and the Middle East to return home to play alongside younger brother Jamie.
“To play alongside Jamie and for my hometown club was an opportunity that I didn’t want to pass up,” he said.
“I’m very happy to be coming home and I think Perth have been able to put together a really strong squad.”
Coach Dave Mitchell said Coyne would add massive power to the Glory’s defensive unit.
“We’ve been able to strengthen all areas across the pitch and have depth in every position,” Mitchell said.
“Chris is a wonderful player and brings added experience and toughness to our defence.”
Coyne, who has represented Australia seven times, will start training with Perth early next week.
His 13-year stay in Europe included stints at West Ham United, Brentford, Southend United, Dundee, Luton Town and Colchester.
Glory owner Tony Sage has poured millions of dollars into the club over the past six months and now wants to see a maiden A-League finals berth.
“The Perth Glory revival is well and truly on the march,” Sage said.
“Chris played a huge part in Australia’s successful World Cup qualifying campaign and will be a vital component in our squad, all of whom are hungry and determined to propel Perth back to the top of the Australian game.”
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