91�ȱ�

Damien Duff has joined Australian club Melbourne City on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old winger's contract with Fulham expired at the end of last season and he has signed a one-year deal with the Hyundai A-League outfit.

"We're excited to have a player of Damien's quality and experience," said Melbourne coach John van't Schip of the Republic of Ireland's former Blackburn, Chelsea and Newcastle wide man.

"We believe he can offer international standard quality on the pitch."

He added: "He will also be a great professional example for our younger players."

Duff has 100 caps for the Republic of Ireland, while his list of club honours included two Premier League titles during his spell at Chelsea.

"His career speaks for itself," said Van't Schip. "He has achieved almost everything at club level and has been a great player at an international level too.

"He comes to us straight from the English Premier League with Fulham, so he has been playing at the highest level against top teams and top players.

"When we met with Damien, he was excited about the opportunity here and keen to work with us to help make this project a success."

Duff will play alongside Spain striker David Villa at Melbourne. The 32-year-old, who won the World Cup in 2010, will play at the A-League club next season ahead of his move to Major League Soccer franchise New York City.