The former Fulham midfielder has agreed terms with the Kiwi club in a bid to resurrect in his international career.

He was paraded at a press conference in Wellington this morning and spoke of his joy at coming back to play in the A-League.

“I’ve been impressed by everything about the Phoenix, from the team’s on-field performances to the management of the club off the field," he said.

"The set-up is first-class. Owner Terry Serepisos has built a truly professional club and the opportunity to play for a coach of the calibre of Ricki Herbert made my decision a pretty easy one in the end.”

The 26-year-old joins the Phoenix on a one-year deal, with the option of another year, having come off contract with English Premier League club Fulham.

Elrich’s international credentials include 17 appearances for the Socceroos, scoring five goals, as well as representing Australia at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and at under-20 level.

Elrich struggled to hold down a place in the Fulham squad and a serious knee injury sustained on Socceroos duty against Kuwait in 2006 effectively ended his Premiership career.

Elrich signed a three-year deal with Fulham in 2005 from K-League club Busan Icons.

He also previously played for Parramatta Power in the National Soccer League, the forerunner to the Hyundai A-League. He was loaned out to Norwegian club FC Lyn Oslo from April to May last year.

He was out for action of the whole of last season and when the transfer window closed without any offers coming in for him, Fulham paid out the remaining year on his contract and released him.

Now Phoenix are delighted to have added him to their roster.

“He’s a talented, quality player who is accustomed to the demands of professional football,” said Herbert. “Ahmad will add another dimension to the team and provide us with even more options on the park. From a club perspective, securing Ahmad’s services is further reflection of the attractive profile the club has built in a relatively short time.”

Elrich said he was looking forward to turning out for the Phoenix as soon as possible.

He added: “I’m feeling really good and I’m keen to get out there and help the club continue what’s been an extremely promising start to the season.

"This club has quality players and I know I’ll need to work hard to grab a spot in the squad every week.”

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said Elrich was an exceptional signing for the club.

“To sign a player of Ahmad’s quality shows just how serious we are about competing at the highest level in this competition," he said.

"We’ve demonstrated our commitment to doing things with the utmost professionalism and signing Ahmad is evidence that our efforts are paying off.”

Elrich is desperate to get his place back in the Socceroos squad and was reportedly willing to take a major pay cut if it guaranteed him first team football.

His Newcastle Jets brother Tarek Elrich revealed to au.fourfourtwo.com: “Ahmad told them he wanted to come back to Australia because all he wants is good-quality 90-minute football.

“His main priority is the Socceroos. Whatever club he goes to, he just wants to be guaranteed a spot.”