As reported by au.fourfourtwo.com yesterday the last placed harbour-siders have boosted their attack by snapping up the 2007/08 Johnny Warren medallist and A-League Golden Boot winner.

The 33-year-old former Newcastle Jets skipper will officially join the Sky Blues after his current contract with Shanghai Shenhua expires at the end of the month.

Griffiths spurned the advances of his former club, with Jets CEO Robbie Middleby revealing: "We had been in discussions with Joel and his management since he signalled an intention to return to the A-League.

"We respect his decision to sign with Sydney FC and wish him all the best for the future."

Alessandro Del Piero's new team-mate will be available for selection once the transfer window opens on January 14 but will begin training with his new club from Monday.

“I’m really happy to be joining Sydney FC and can’t wait to get into training with the team and then start playing games,” Griffiths said.

“Sydney is my home, Sydney FC is a great club and has tremendous training facilities and I’m looking forward to playing in the A-League again.”

Griffiths spent the past four years playing for Beijing Guoan and Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super League where he scored 34 goals from 94 appearances.

At Shanghai he played alongside former Chelsea greats Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba.

Griffiths has always been a regular and reliable goal scorer, first in the NSL and later at Newcastle Jets, NE Xamax in Switzerland, Avispa Fukuoka in the J-League and more recently, China.

“Joel is a quality player, a proven goal scorer and it’s great that we have signed him to play with Sydney FC,” new Sydney FC Coach Frank Farina said. “He has pace, he knows how to finish and he’ll be a tremendous addition to the squad.”

Griffiths, who was born and raised in the Sutherland Shire, will be reunited with his twin brother Adam, who joined Sydney FC this season.

“I spent four years in China and really enjoyed the experience and the football,” Griffiths said. “But the time was right for me to come back to Australia and I’m happy I’ve got the opportunity to play in front of my family and friends.”

The striker will wear the number 29 shirt for the Sky Blues.