Western Sydney Wanderers have announced the signing of former Adelaide United defender Robert Cornthwaite on a two-year deal.
The 30-year-old centre-back left the Reds in early 2011 and subsequently enjoyed successful spells in Korea and recently Malaysia with Jeonnam Dragons and Selangor FA respectively.
Capped eight times by the Socceroos, Cornthwaite will bolster Tony Popovic’s defensive stocks following the arrival of experienced Spanish defender Aritz Borda.
Speaking on his decision to sign for the Wanderers, Cornthwaite expressed his excitement in returning to Australia and playing for one of the A-League’s biggest clubs.
“When you’re looking to come back to Australia you put a list together of the clubs you’d like to join and the Wanderers were top of that list so to get the opportunity to play for Western Sydney is a huge honour as I know the fans are the best in Australia,” Cornthwaite said.
“It’s exciting for me and my family. After six years playing in Asia I’m really looking forward to joining Wanderers at a good age where I can really contribute.
“I’ve been away from Australia for a while but I watched as much A-League as possible – generally a couple of games each weekend – and Western Sydney have been very successful and played some very good football – particularly last season.
“I’m looking forward to getting in, pulling on the Red & Black and getting to work as soon as possible.”
Cornthwaite amassed over 100 appearances with Adelaide, helping the club secure the inaugural Premiers’ Plate in 2006, as well as playing a pivotal role in the club’s 2008 AFC Champions League run to the final.
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