Smeltz, 35, spent less than six months with Malaysian club Kedah before returning to the A-League with Wellington where he spent two years from 2007 to 2009.

The New Zealand international striker was prolific in Malaysia and had options to stay in Asia but felt the timing was right to return home.

“I contacted a couple of clubs to let them know I was here in Australia and obviously Phoenix was one of them,” Smeltz said.

“There were some options to go back to Asia and come back to the A-League.

“I think the timing is probably right for me to come here as soon as I knew Phoenix would be interested, my eyes lit up.

“I’m extremely happy with the decision I’ve made.”

The veteran striker, who has been overtaken by Besart Berisha in the all-time A-League goal scorers’ list, has penned a deal with Wellington for the remainder of the season only.

“I’m not thinking beyond my stint,” he said. “Whatever happens after that, will happen.

“It’s up to me to show what I can do in this five or six months.”

As for the rest of the 2016/17 A-League season, Smeltz believes Wellington, who are currently eighth, can content for finals.

“I’ve come in in the window,” he said.

“It’s clear the team wants to strengthen and that’s what I want to do. I want add quality to what we’ve already got.

“I think going forward there’s a big opportunity to press and make the top six.”

Smeltz, who trained with his new team-mates for the first time on Tuesday, will wear the number 99 shirt for Wellington.