Former Brazil international Douglas Costa has signed with Sydney FC, having been released by Fluminese. Photo: AFP/THIAGO VASCONCELOS DOS SANTOS
The 33-year-old, who boasts three Serie A titles, three Bundesliga titles and five Ukrainian Premier League titles, becomes the Sky Blues biggest arrival since Alessandro Del Piero joined the club in 2012.
Capped 33 times by Brazil and Costa featured in a star-studded attack alongside Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho at the 2018 World Cup.
Sydney FC will be the seventh club of the winger's career having recently been released by his Brazilian club Fluminese.
He joins after 22 appearances in all competitions with the Brazilian outfit, mostly as a substitute and a season in the MLS with LA Galaxy, following a glittering career in Europe with the likes of Bayern, Juve and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Costa boasts 76 appearances in the UEFA Champions League, scoring 11 goals and providing 17 assists, and he has played alongside an amazing roll call of all-time greats including Ronaldo, Neymar, Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer.
"We are thrilled to bring Brazilian World Cup star Douglas Costa to Sydney FC and the Isuzu-UTE A-League," said Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow.
"He is one of the most high-profile footballers to ever play on these shores and the eyes of the football world will be on Sydney FC and the A-League this season.
"Douglas is a proven winner, and his record of titles in the world's top leagues is testament to that."
Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Costa added: "I have been part of some incredible teams throughout my career, winning many titles and I have come to Sydney FC to win more."
"Football is in my blood and I arrive in Australia to raise the game in this country, entertain the passionate sporting public and bring silverware to Sydney FC."
"It's exciting to be able to attract a player of the calibre of Douglas Costa to Sydney FC," said Sydney FC boss Ufuk Talay.
"He is a world class talent with 24 career trophies"
"His experience and knowledge will be a positive influence on the playing group."
Costa could make his debut as soon as 19 September when the Sky Blues face Hong Kong's Eastern in the AFC Champions League 2.
