DAMIEN DUFF WILL play in Australia’s A-League next season after he finalised a one-year deal with Melbourne City FC.

Duff, 35, becomes the first major signing for the newly-rebranded club which was bought by Manchester City’s owners earlier this year.

The former Ireland international was linked with a move down under after his Fulham contract ran out at the end of last season and he was released.

Head coach John van’t Schip said: “We’re excited to have a player of Damien’s quality and experience for this season.

“We believe he can offer international standard quality on the pitch and will also be a great professional example for our younger players.

His career speaks for itself. 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 briefly join forces with Spanish World Cup winner David Villa when the new A-League season kicks off in October.

Villa has signed for New York City FC — also controlled by Man City’s Abu Dhabi owners — but will spend a few months on loan in Melbourne before the MLS season begins next spring.

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