Melbourne City FC is pleased to announce it has signed Australian midfielder Erik Paartalu on a four-year deal in advance of the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season.

Paartalu, 28, joins Melbourne City FC from Thai Premier League side Muangthong United and adds further quality to Head Coach John van’t Schip’s squad for the forthcoming campaign.

Already familiar to fans of the Hyundai A-League, Paartalu was a crucial figure in two title-winning seasons with Brisbane Roar, and started all of Brisbane’smatches in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons, including the A-League finals series and the AFC Champions League.

As a reward for his consistent excellence in the A-League, he was also selected for the Socceroos in 2013.

Recognised as one of the A-League’s premier defensive midfielders, Paartalu famously scored in the 2011 Hyundai A-League Grand Final with the last play of the game and claimed the A-League Goal of the Year in the same season.

Head Coach John van’t Schip said, “It is fantastic that Erik has decided to join us. A player of his calibre coming back to Australia and joining Melbourne City FC is a very positive development for the team and for the Club.

“We are well aware of what Erik can produce on the pitch. He is a really exciting player and his experience, strength and technical skills will add further quality to our squad in advance of the season.”

The two-time Socceroo spent time in the NSL early in his career before making the move overseas to play in Scotland, before returning to Australia in 2010.

Paartalu will wear the number 5 jersey for Melbourne City FC

Player information

Erik Paartalu

DOB: 3 May 1986 (age 28)

Place of birth: Sydney, Australia

Position: Midfielder

Current contract details: Four-year deal (until the end of the 2017/18 season)