Western Sydney Wanderers have announced the signing of former Caltex Socceroos defender Robert Cornthwaite on a two-year deal.
The 30-year-old central defender will return to the Hyundai A-League following successful stints in Korea and Malaysia with Jeonnam Dragons (Korea) and Selangor (Malaysia).
Cornthwaite made over 100 appearances in the Hyundai A-League between 2005 and 2011, helping Adelaide United to the Premiership in the club’s first season as well competing in the AFC Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.
Capped eight times by the Socceroos with three goals to his credit, Cornthwaite brings a wealth of experience and towering stature (1.95m) to a Wanderers defence that has recently been bolstered by the signing of Spanish defender Aritz Borda.
New recruit Cornthwaite said he was looking forward to returning to the Hyundai A-League with the Wanderers.
“When you’re looking to come back to Australia you put a list together of the clubs you’d like to join and the Wanderers were top of that list so to get the opportunity to play for Western Sydney is a huge honour as I know the fans are the best in Australia,” said Cornthwaite.
“It’s exciting for me and my family. After six years playing in Asia I’m really looking forward to joining Wanderers at a good age where I can really contribute.
“I’ve been away from Australia for a while but I watched as much A-League as possible – generally a couple of games each weekend – and Western Sydney have been very successful and played some very good football – particularly last season.
“I’m looking forward to getting in, pulling on the Red & Black and getting to work as soon as possible.”
