Sydney FC has signed two-time Australian World Cup midfielder Jason Culina for the remainder of the 2012/13 Hyundai A-League season.
Sydney FC has signed two-time Australian World Cup midfielder Jason Culina for the remainder of the 2012/13 Hyundai A-League season.
The 32-year-old signed with the Sky Blues last night after undergoing exhaustive rehabilitation from a knee injury that threatened to end his stellar career.
Culina, who has played 58 internationals for the Qantas Socceroos including the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, declared he was thrilled to be back.
“It-s absolutely brilliant to be back,” Culina said. “It-s something that kept me awake at night, thinking about playing again so I-m really happy and grateful to have the opportunity to continue my career so close to home with a club like Sydney FC.
“There were times I thought I wanted to give up but I knew that if I put in the effort and commitment I could get back so I never gave up on the desire to play again.
“I-ve had to put in a lot of hard work and some days it has been hard but I-d like to sincerely thank Stan Ivancic (Sydney FC physiotherapist) and the Sydney FC medical staff for what they did in helping me with my rehab at what was a tough time. Without them I wouldn-t be where I am at the moment.
Culina also expressed his joy at continuing his career in his hometown in front of family and friends.
“It-s always special when you play for a big club and when it is also in your home town it-s extra special,” he said. “I just have to continue working hard to make sure I can get to the point where I can start playing and repay the faith that has been shown in me.”
Sky Blues coach Ian Crook welcomed Culina to Sydney FC, applauding his dedication to regaining his fitness and declaring the Socceroo a “great addition” to the squad.
“Jason has had to go through a lot to get to this point and we-re very happy to have him join Sydney FC,” Crook said. “He has shown he is a tremendous football player, he-s now proven his fitness, his desire has been there for all to see throughout the last few months and we-re really happy that he has shown his commitment to Sydney FC.”
JASON CULINA
Date of Birth: 5 August 1980
Position: Midfield
Club career
1996-98 Sydney United 35 games (2 goals)
1998/99 Sydney Olympic 21 (1)
1999-2004 Ajax (Netherlands) 3 (0)
2001 Germinal Beerschot (Belgium) on loan 12 (1)
2002 De Graafschap (Netherlands) on loan 24 (1)
2004/05 FC Twente (Netherlands) 38 (12)
2005-09 PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) 98 (3)
2009-11 Gold Coast (Australia) 44 (8)
2011 Newcastle Jets
International career
1996-1997 Australian U17s 5 games (6 goals)
1999 Australian U20s 4 (1)
1998-2000 Australian U23s 16 (1)
2005- Socceroos 59 (2)
Career Highlights
1999 U20 World Cup
2000 Sydney Olympic Games
2006 FIFA World Cup, Germany
2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa
2003/04 Eredivisie winner (Ajax)
2005/06 Eredivisie winner (PSV EIdnhoven)
2006/07 Eredivisie winner (PSV EIdnhoven)
2007/08 Eredivisie winner (PSV EIdnhoven)
2012/13 Sydney FC Memberships are now on sale with Public Transport to and from the game from all over Sydney covered in the Membership price.
Purchase your 2012/13 Sydney FC Membership here or call (02) 8314 5100.
