Smeltz joins Sydney FC

Shane Smeltz has become new Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold’s latest acquisition with the New Zealand international striker joining the A-League club on a one-year deal.

The prolific goalscorer’s move to Sydney from Perth ends an exciting week for the Sky Blues after snaring young forward Bernie Ibini and re-signing defender Matthew Jurman.

Smeltz, 32, is second on the A-League’s all-time leading goalscorers list having scored 77 goals in 135 games.

He is also a Jonny Warren Medal winner and has twice been Oceania Footballer of the Year and the A-League’s Golden Boot winner.

“I’m excited to get to work with Graham Arnold and to start training with the squad,” Smeltz said in a club statement on Sunday.

“I’m coming here with an expectation that we can win trophies and qualify for the Asian Champions League.”

Smeltz scored New Zealand’s equaliser against Italy at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, making him the first A-League player to score at a World Cup Finals, and Arnold believes his signing will delight Sydney FC fans.

“He brings World Cup experience to the squad as well as fantastic leadership qualities,” Arnold said.

“His goal-scoring record speaks for itself and it will be a privilege to work with Shane.”

Smeltz, who has 50 international caps for the Kiwis, scored 28 goals in 58 appearances for Perth, but his 2013/14 campaign was blighted by a series of injuries.

The Sky Blues still have a number of spots to fill in the squad including the domestic and international marquees spaces.