Juninho, who played in five of Brazil's seven matches in its 2002 FIFA World Cup campaign, including its 2-0 final victory over Germany, has put pen to paper on a lucrative one-year contract with Sydney FC.

He said today: "I want to make Australian soccer at a higher level than before."

He revealed his reason for coming to Sydney was because of "...their interest in Juninho.

"It is important not only the club, but also that the manager, they want you to come to the team. I felt wanted."

He added: "Of course, for any footballer it is important to win things

"This is a new experience for me, Australian football is exciting, they did well in the World Cup, and it is a great opportunity.

Capped 50 times by the five-time world champion, Juninho has won a host of prestigious club competitions in his career, including the 1993 Copa Libertadores (South America's top tournament) with Sao Paulo, the 2000 Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A (Brazil's championship) with Vasco da Gama and the 2004 English Carling Cup with Middlesbrough.

Sydney FC chief executive officer George Perry says that Juninho, as the first FIFA World Cup winner to ink a season-long deal with an A-League club, is the competition’s biggest-ever signing.

"Juninho is a true superstar of the world game, a household name to football fans around the globe," said Perry.

"We're thrilled to welcome him aboard and can't wait to see him run out in a Sydney FC shirt."

Sydney FC coach Branko Culina is licking his lips at the prospect of working with Juninho, who has starred for Sao Paulo, Middlesbrough, Atletico Madrid, Vasco da Gama, Flamengo, Celtic and Palmeiras.

"As a World Cup winner, Juninho brings a wealth of experience at the highest possible level to Sydney FC," said Culina. "It's not often that you get to work with someone of his phenomenal footballing ability.

"Not only is Juninho's signing great news for Sydney FC but also for Australian football in general. It demonstrates how the far the game has come in this country over the past few years."

Juninho, whose real name is Oswaldo Giraldo Junior, wants to help Sydney FC regain the A-League title that the club won in 2006.

"I'm delighted to join Sydney FC and hope me and my new teammates can bring the A-League Championship back to the city," he said.

Juninho Paulista
Full name: Oswaldo Giraldo Junior
Date of birth: February 22, 1973
Place of birth: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Height: 165cm (5ft 5in)
Position: Midfielder
Squad number: 22

Previous clubs: Sao Paulo (Brazil), Middlesbrough (England), Atletico Madrid (Spain), Vasco da Gama (Brazil), Flamengo (Brazil), Celtic (Scotland), Palmeiras (Brazil)

International record: 2002 FIFA World Cup winner, with five goals in 50 appearances for Brazil