Neill opted to stay in the Emirates after a season with the 2010/11 champions Al Jazira and quickly jumped on Twitter to talk up the move to the Dubai-based outfit.

The 34-year-old posted a pic and said: “Delighted to sign my contract for Al Wasl. Very excited to meet the team and help bring success for the club!!”

A former defender with Blackburn Rovers and Galatasaray, Neill is due to meet up with his new team-mates at a pre-season training camp in Germany.

Former Wasl captain Ismail Rashid told The National: "Neill has the international experience necessary to be a success and has experience of the league through his time here last season.

"He is still at the top of his game physically and technically, and, as captain of his country, is a key member of the Australia squad.

“He has experience of the English Premier League, too, which when you put everything together ensures he adds to the team the level of quality we desire."

Neill said he was delighted with the move, telling Inspire Sports Management website:  “My family and I really enjoyed our time in the UAE last season, and having already experienced the Pro League I’m looking forward to another challenging season here.

“I’m also looking forward to working with Bruno Metsu, who is one of the most experienced and respected coaches in this region, and I’m hopeful of being able to help the club achieve its ambitions.”

Metsu, who took over the reins from Diego Maradona,  is no stranger to Neill. The flamboyant Frenchman was the one-time coach of Qatar and suffered some heavy losses to the Socceroos during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.