James McClean leaves Wrexham to return home to Derry City

The former Ireland winger has signed a multi-year deal.

WELCOME TO DERRY: New Candystripes signing James McClean during a media event in Derry. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

James McClean has joined hometown club Derry City on a multi–year deal, the Candystripes have announced.

The Ireland centurion joins from Wrexham, where he helped the high-profile Welsh club win back-to-back promotions.

The winger left Derry City for Sunderland in 2011 before playing for Wigan Athletic, West Brom and Stoke City.

"It's a bit surreal that it's here and it's happened, but I can't wait to get started," McClean says.

"Wrexham and how they have dealt with this, absolute touch of class, they made it as easy as possible to come home. I spoke to the manager and I told him, the place I want to go is home.

"I like challenges in my career and this is now probably one of the best challenges I get to take on.

"This is the last club of my career, this is where I am ending my career. If I was to win a league title here and go out in that way I couldn’t write the script any better."

McClean’s brother Patrick also signed with the club on Friday in a two-year deal.