Carle, who was cut from the Socceroos' provisional Cup squad on Tuesday, joins the Sky Blues as their Australian marquee player on a three-year deal.

The 28-year-old has spent the last four seasons in Europe with Turkish giants Gençlerbirligi S.K. and English sides Bristol City and Crystal Palace.

With veteran Steve Corica retiring after last season's title success, Carle is seen as the perfect replacement in the Sydney midfield.

"My focus is now purely on giving everything I have for Sydney FC. I am good shape and will work as hard as I ever have," Carle, the former Newcastle Jets playmaker, said.

"I have the utmost respect for (Sydney coach) Vitezslav Lavicka and we already have a great relationship so I am looking forward to working hard under him and to keep the success going."

"The culture I saw at the club after just a few weeks of Vitezslav being coach was impressive and after all the recent success it is a club and an environment that has a special feeling about it."

"I want to be part of the club's continued success. I feel that I will be a big contributor. The challenge of defending the A-League title and playing in the Asian Champions League is something I am ready for and I feel Sydney FC is ready for."

Lavicka believes Carle is the perfect addition to his squad to help them defend their crown.

"Nicky will strike a strong partnership with our players, in particular Alex Brosque and Mark Bridge," the Sydney coach said.

"He is entertaining to watch and that is the way we will play this season. He is experienced, fast and plays with excellent vision."

"We needed to replace a very important player in Steve Corica and Nicky is perfect for that position. I am very happy. I am happy for Sydney FC, for our supporters and our sponsors and we can now focus on being ready to defend the title."

Carle played 42 games for the Jets guiding them to consecutive finals appearances and was rewarded with stunning his 2006/07 season by being named the Johnny Warren medallist.

He has represented Australia at every level, earning 50 caps overall and scoring 18 goals.

Carle joins left-back Scott Jamieson and goal-keeper Liam Reddy as new additions to the Sydney squad for the 2010/11 season.

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