Duff heads off Down Under

Damien Duff pictured has agreed a one-year deal to join Melbourne City on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old, who won the Premier League twice with Chelsea and earned 100 caps for the Republic of Ireland, left Fulham at the end of last season after spending five years at Craven Cottage.

Duff joins ahead of the 2014-15 A-League campaign as Melbourne City’s 18th confirmed squad member, with speculation set to continue over further high profile arrivals at the club. Melbourne City have already confirmed that David Villa will join the club on a short-term loan before linking up with sister club New York City for the 2015 MLS campaign.

Head coach John van ’t Schip said Duff’s vast experience in England would be integral to the team and would assist in the development of the squad’s younger players.

“We’re excited to have a player of Damien’s quality and experience for this season,” he said. “We believe he can offer international standard quality on the pitch and will also be a great professional example for our younger players.

“His career speaks for itself. He has achieved almost everything at club level and has been a great player at an international level too.

“He has been playing at the highest level against top teams and top players.

“When we met with Damien, he was excited about the opportunity here and keen to work with us to help make this project a success.”

City also announced they have re-signed promising duo Stefan Mauk and Ben Garuccio until 2016 and 2017 respectively.