Melbourne Victory have signed veteran defender Matthieu Delpierre on a one-year-deal, with the 33-year-old joining high-profile signings Carl Valeri and Besart Berisha ahead of the 2014/15 Hyundai A-League season.
The commanding centre-back brings with him a wealth of invaluable experience and leadership, having enjoyed stints in France (Lille), Germany (Stuttgart and Hoffenheim) and more recently in Holland’s Eredevisie where he made an impact with FC Utrecht towards the end of last season.
The departures of Pablo Contreras – who retired from professional football – and Adama Traore – who left the club in search of opportunities in Europe – have left a large hole in the Melbourne defence and the signing of Delpierre will provide a much needed anchor in defence as the club looks to make an impact in their A-League campaign.
The six-foot-four defender – who captained Vfb Stuttgart to the Bundesliga title in 2006/07 – expressed his excitement at joining Melbourne Victory in a club statement.
“I am really excited about playing in Australia and I’ve already heard so many great things about the fans and the club,” Delpierre said.
“I know moving to the A-League will be a big challenge, but it is one that I am really happy about and I can’t wait to get started with Kevin and all the Melbourne Victory players.”
Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat said he is delighted to secure the services of a “proven performer” of Delpierre’s quality with experience against some of the best strikers in Europe.
“We know [Matthieu Delpierre] has what it takes to be successful in the A-League,” Muscat said.
“I’ve certainly been tracking Matthieu’s progress over the past season and have been itching to get him to join us in the A-League, so now I am thrilled we are able to have a Bundesliga winner with us in our 10th anniversary season.
“He will provide real quality to our squad, while also imparting his football knowledge on to the younger players It’s also a bonus that he will be with us for pre-season and can be part of our FFA Cup campaign.
“We know he will have a big impact when we get underway in October, but first of all we’re looking forward to welcoming him to Australia and helping him settle here in Melbourne.”