Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler arrived in Australia on Sunday to begin another chapter in his career with North Queensland Fury in the A-League.
The striker, still known as 'God' in the Kop, has joined North Queensland Fury, who are a new A-League setup, on a two-year-deal, after being released by Cardiff City.
The 33-year-old is one of the leading scorers in the Premier League. In nine seasons at Anfield, Fowler scored 120 goals in 236 league appearances for Liverpool, his hometown club.
"This is a brand new team and until all the players get together and we train day in, day out, we will play a few games before the season we will see how it goes from that aspect," Fowler said at a poolside media conference at a casino.
"In terms of any football club you want to continue to win games, if you are winning games that breeds confidence and confidence helps you to do well in everything."
Fowler has not played since December, and there were some concerns about a recurring hip problem.
But Fury manager Ian Ferguson has no doubt the former England international will be ready to commit to full-scale preparation.
"We had extensive medical tests done on Robbie, prior to his signing, and he'll start training with the rest of the squad on April 1," Ferguson said.
"Because of the heat and humidity, we will ease him into the physical work with three days a week for the first month."
Fowler is the highest-profile former Premier League star to join the A-League and his decision to play in Australia is certain to spark renewed interest in the A-League, which has suffered through criticism of its playing standard and the lack of superstar marquee signings lately.
Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke is regarded as the measuring stick for big-name signings after his stint with Sydney FC in the league's inaugural season in 2005-06.
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The striker, still known as 'God' in the Kop, has joined North Queensland Fury, who are a new A-League setup, on a two-year-deal, after being released by Cardiff City.
The 33-year-old is one of the leading scorers in the Premier League. In nine seasons at Anfield, Fowler scored 120 goals in 236 league appearances for Liverpool, his hometown club.
"This is a brand new team and until all the players get together and we train day in, day out, we will play a few games before the season we will see how it goes from that aspect," Fowler said at a poolside media conference at a casino.
"In terms of any football club you want to continue to win games, if you are winning games that breeds confidence and confidence helps you to do well in everything."
Fowler has not played since December, and there were some concerns about a recurring hip problem.
But Fury manager Ian Ferguson has no doubt the former England international will be ready to commit to full-scale preparation.
"We had extensive medical tests done on Robbie, prior to his signing, and he'll start training with the rest of the squad on April 1," Ferguson said.
"Because of the heat and humidity, we will ease him into the physical work with three days a week for the first month."
Fowler is the highest-profile former Premier League star to join the A-League and his decision to play in Australia is certain to spark renewed interest in the A-League, which has suffered through criticism of its playing standard and the lack of superstar marquee signings lately.
Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke is regarded as the measuring stick for big-name signings after his stint with Sydney FC in the league's inaugural season in 2005-06.
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