Perth Glory is pleased to confirm the signing of former Socceroo, Richard Garcia, on a 2 year contract that will see the West Australian born player take to the pitch as a professional footballer for his hometown club, for the first time since departing as a 15 year old to join up with West Ham United.
Perth Glory is pleased to confirm the signing of former Socceroo, Richard Garcia, on a 2 year contract that will see the West Australian born player take to the pitch as a professional footballer for his hometown club, for the first time since departing as a 15 year old to join up with West Ham United.
Garcia, who went through the Hammers Youth Academy, spent 13 years playing in England with Clubs such as West Ham and Hull City and amassed a total 230 league appearances including 49 in the English Premier League.
In 2010, Garcia became the first Hull City player ever, to play at a World Cup Finals, when he started for the Socceroos against Germany in their Group D clash at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
In August 2012, Garcia, signed for Melbourne Heart and went on to play 24 Hyundai A League games scoring 6 goals, before a move to Sydney FC in 2013, where, under coach, Frank Farina, he managed a further 6 goals in 23 appearances, with his last goal for the club coming against Glory in the Round 27 match in Sydney.
Over the past 2 months, Garcia has been playing for Minnesota United FC in the North American Soccer League.
Garcia completed his medical for the Club on Friday and commenced training with his new Perth Glory team mates yesterday.
Perth Glory CEO, Jason Brewer, said “I am excited that the Club has been able to secure Richard-s signature and brought him home to Perth. He has consistently proven himself at the highest level, played in the EPL and been to a World Cup. I am looking forward to seeing him in action during the 2014/15 Hyundai A-League season.”
Garcia said “It was great to start training yesterday and meet all the players. I’ve been really impressed with the recruiting strategy of Kenny Lowe and feel that the squad he has assembled has a real chance of achieving success this season.”
“It will be fantastic to pull on the purple shirt of Perth Glory and represent my hometown Club. I can-t wait for the season to start” he added.
Kenny Lowe is also confident that Garcia can have an impact on and off the field.
“Richard has shown he is the ultimate professional throughout his career. To have played at the highest level for so long takes hard work and dedication and I-m sure he will be a strong influence in the change rooms as well as on the field.” Lowe said.
Full Name: Richard Garcia
Place of Birth: Perth, Western Australia
Height: 1.80m
Weight: 72kg
Position: Winger/Striker
Previous Clubs:
West Ham United
Leyton Orient
Colchester United
Melbourne Heart FC
Sydney FC
Minnesota United FC
Australian National Team:
U23 (2 appearances)
Socceroos (18 appearances 2 goals)
Current Hyundai A-League Contracted Squad for Season 2014/15:
Richard Garcia, Andy Keogh, Dino Djulbic, Ruben Zadkovich, Youssouf Hersi, Mitch Nichols, Diogo Ferreira, Daniel De Silva, Jack Clisby, Brandon O’Neill, Danny Vukovic, Rostyn Griffiths, Michael Thwaite, Cameron Edwards, Nebojsa Marinkovich, Jamie Maclaren, Sidnei Sciola Moreas, Chris Harold, Josh Risdon, Scott Jamieson, Matthew Davies, Riley Woodcock, Harry O’Brien, Jack Duncan, Jordan Thurtell.
#NOTGIVINGIN
