New Sydney FC coach Ian Crook has made his first new signing for the club, picking up former Newcastle Jets midfielder Ali Abbas on a two-year deal.
New Sydney FC coach Ian Crook has made his first new signing for the club, picking up former Newcastle Jets midfielder Ali Abbas on a two-year deal.
The Iraqi international agreed terms over the weekend and joined his new teammates for training on Monday morning.
Crook said: “I believe Ali is a fantastic addition to the squad and will have a big impact on the team.
“He has great endurance and is very quick. He is also naturally left footed which is something we-ve been missing on the left wing recently.
“I think we have done well to have beaten off competition from other clubs for his signature and he will prove to be a very exciting signing for the Sydney FC fans.”
Abbas was a member of the victorious Iraqi national team that won the Asian Cup in 2007 and the 25-year old has spent the last three years playing in the Hyundai A-League with the Newcastle Jets.
“I’m really happy to be joining Sydney FC,” Abbas said.
“It is exciting for me to be moving to one of the biggest clubs in Australia, which already has a history of success in the A-League.
“Sydney FC has a strong squad and a great coaching staff, and I look forward to working with both.
“Now I’m ready to focus on training for next season, and help the team challenge for another title.”
