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Fulham Football Club has announced the signing of Australian international goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on a two year deal that will see the player at the club until the summer of 2010.
The 35 year-old began his professional career at the age of 19 with Marconi Stallions, in the National Soccer League. After spells at Dynamo Dresden, FC Kaiserslautern and Bradford City, Schwarzer joined Middlesbrough in April 1997. He is considered a large contributor to the recent success of Middlesbrough and an important part of the team.
Schwarzer made his international debut against Canada in Edmonton in a 1994 World Cup qualifier and after numerous appearances for the Socceroos was instrumental in Australia's qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, in the play-off against Uruguay. After Uruguay won the first leg 1–0 in Montevideo, Australia won 1–0 in Sydney. Most recently, Schwarzer saved an 89th minute Shao Jiayi penalty against China in Australia's 0–0 draw in the 2010 World Cup qualifier in March 2008, continuing his fine record of stopping penalty kicks.
Mark Schwarzer said:
‘I am delighted to have joined Fulham and look forward immensely to the new challenge in my career. I spent many happy years at Middlesbrough and would like to thank everyone there for their valued support. However, I felt the time was right for me to move on, and when the opportunity to talk to Roy Hodgson about his plans came about, although I had other offers from some great Clubs throughout Europe, it didn’t take long to make a decision about joining the Fulham. I’m now looking forward to joining up with the Australian National team for our World Cup Qualifiers and then of course to meeting up with the rest of the lads for pre-season at Fulham in July.’
Roy Hodgson added:
‘After stiff competition from a number of high profile European clubs, I am exceptionally pleased that Mark has chosen to come to Fulham. His credentials on both the domestic and international arenas are impeccable which is reinforced by the calibre of clubs that wanted to sign him. We have some work to do off the field this summer to enable us to compete next season in the Premier League and to avoid the position we found ourselves in a short time ago. Therefore I am very pleased that Mark will be joining us and helping with the task ahead.’
