Western Sydney Wanderers sign former Manchester City star Jack Rodwell

The Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed the signing of a three-time England international in what is a major coup for the club.

Former Manchester City star Jack Rodwell has signed with the Western Sydney Wanderers. Picture: Richard Sellers/Getty Images

In a major boost for the A-League, the Western Sydney Wanderers have signed Jack Rodwell on a one-year deal.

The former Manchester City star had been training with the Wanderers for the last two weeks, and coach Carl Robinson was keen to snap him up for the 2021/22 season.

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Rodwell, who was most recently at Sheffield United, had been a free agent since being released by the Blades after they were relegated from the Premier League in May this year.

The midfielder arrives at the Wanderers with plenty of Premier League experience, having come through the ranks at Everton before a big money switch to City in 2012.

Keen to reboot his career, Rodwell couldn’t be happier to be at the club, especially with his family ties to the Western Sydney region.

“This move is really exciting for me, I’ve been looking at the opportunity to play in Australia for a couple of months and with my wife being from Western Sydney, the Wanderers was the perfect destination,” Rodwell said.

“Australia is like a second home to me, it’s my favourite country on earth, it’s where my wife and her family are all from; we love the place.

“I honestly can’t wait to play. With the opening match being the Sydney Derby, everyone in my family will be there watching so it is a huge opportunity and something I am really looking forward to.

Rodwell had been training with the Wanderers for a number of weeks before being officially announced. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

“I’d like to thank the club for this opportunity, and hope I can repay the faith they have shown in me.”

Rodwell adds an experienced head to the Wanderers’ engine room in midfield, having lost Graham Dorrans and Jordon Mutch at the end of last season.

Wanderers coach Robinson was delighted to have secured a player of Rodwell’s pedigree as he looks to end Western Sydney’s four-year absence from the finals series.

“We are delighted to have Jack part of our squad as he is a strong character with excellent leadership qualities,” said Robinson.

“He’s settled in excellently in such a short time, and fitted in well with the group sharing the same values and ideas we have here as a club.

“His experience speaks for itself and his signing his an opportunity for him to get back to enjoying his football in a positive and competitive environment.

“We look forward to Jack being a great addition to our strong core group of players this season.”

Rodwell could get his first minutes as a Wanderers player on Saturday night, as they take on Sydney FC in a blockbuster derby to open their respective campaigns.

Originally published as Western Sydney Wanderers sign former Manchester City star Jack Rodwell