Hyundai A-League newcomers Western United FC have pulled off a major coup, confirming the signing former Italy star Alessandro Diamanti for the 2019/20 Season.
In a huge statement of intent ahead of their inaugural season in the competition, United have lured the 36-year-old on a one-year marquee deal, the club confirmed at a press conference on Thursday morning.
“I have played all around the world, with world-class clubs and team mates, and Western United stood out to me after speaking with the coaches and staff and hearing how they plan on having an impact in their first season in the A-League,” Diamanti said.
“It’s exciting to join a Club in a country where the popularity of football is growing so quickly.”
Known for his ability from set-pieces and scoring from long range, the Prato-born playmaker won 17 caps for the Azzurri and was part of their squad for the 2012 European Championships.
A versatile attacker with a deadly left foot, Diamanti has played for a host of clubs during his 20-year professional career.
Among his former clubs include Serie A sides Livorno, Fiorentina, Palermo and Perugia, while he also played alongside fellow Western United import Panagiotis Kone at Brescia and Bologna.
Diamanti also played outside of Italy, most notably in the Premier League with West Ham, while he was also part of Marcelo Lippi’s Guangzhou Evergrande in China.
He is coming off an exceptional season with Livorno in Serie B, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists to ensure the club avoided relegation.
“Alessandro Diamanti is a player of enormous quality with fantastic pedigree who possesses the X-factor we’ve been searching for,” United coach Mark Rudan said.
“He’s a player that will excite our fans and work hard for his team mates. We look forward to welcoming Alessandro’s experience to the Western United family.
