Luis Garcia transfer: Central Coast Mariners sign former Liverpool star

A FORMER Barcelona, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid star is set to play in the A-League in one of the competition’s biggest coups in its 11-year history.

Luis Garcia of Liverpool celebrates scoring a goal during the Liverpool Legends v Australian Legends exhibition match at ANZ Stadium, in Sydney, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

THE Central Coast Mariners have completed a transfer coup, signing former Liverpool star Luis Garcia until the end of the 2015/16 season.

The 37-year-old forward, who recently competed in the Liverpool Legends match in Sydney, will remain on Australian shores and end a two-year spell in retirement.

Garcia has played for the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, winning Champions League and FA Cup titles during his three years at Anfield.

He has not played competitively since his time with Atletico Kolkata in the Indian Super League in 2014, but will come out of retirement to feature for the Mariners as their marquee player.

“I am delighted to be joining a club like the Central Coast Mariners. This is an exciting challenge for me to play in the Hyundai A-League and with such a progressive club like the Mariners,” Garcia told the club’s website.

“I am really looking forward to being on the Coast, meeting my fellow players, meeting the fans and to entertain them with my style of play.

“One of the things that attracted me to the club was the opportunity to share my experience with a young playing group. I am also looking forward to playing football in one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp also revealed he was delighted with the club’s ability to lure a player of Garcia’s quality.

“This is a huge opportunity for not only the Central Coast Mariners and the Central Coast region but also for football in Australia,” Mielekamp said.

“It continues our journey towards becoming the most entertaining, innovative and community minded sports brand in Australia.

“I also want to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to Mike Charlesworth and Peter Storrie for their leadership and commitment to help take this club to where we all want it to go.”

Originally published as Luis Garcia transfer: Central Coast Mariners sign former Liverpool star