Hyundai A-League, Mariners land Aloisi

Australian World Cup hero John Aloisi will link with Hyundai A-League club Central Coast Mariners for the remainder of this season.

Australian World Cup hero John Aloisi will link with Hyundai A-League club Central Coast Mariners for the remainder of this season.

Aloisi, the man who sent the Socceroos to the 2006 World Cup with his memorable spot kick against Uruguay, confirmed the signing on Saturday.

The 31-year-old striker has played the majority of his career in Europe, most recently Spain.

He said the Mariners were the perfect fit for his long-awaited homecoming.

"I have made my intentions clear that I have wanted to return to Australia and contribute to the Hyundai A-League and I am delighted to be able to be a part of the league and look forward to getting on the pitch," Aloisi said.

"Since the Hyundai A-League began, it's been an attractive option to play in and I felt now was the right time to return as I am still intending to play for a number of years."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Central Coast Mariners for offering me the chance to play in the Hyundai A-League and have been impressed by their professionalism during the past few days, in particular the efforts of Lyall Gorman and Peter Turnbull."

Aloisi's management group said there had been significant interest in the former Adelaide-born forward.

"There have been a large number of clubs making offers to John over the past five months, and we are very grateful and flattered by all their interest," said Paddy Dominguez of Inspire Sports Management.

"John has been waiting for a deal that he felt completely comfortable with before committing himself and has been in no rush to sign something for the sake of signing."

"John is a much loved and respected bloke and a firm favourite with the Australian football supporters, and he will add serious commercial value to both the Mariners and the Hyundai A-League in general."