The free agent has been without a club since leaving Melbourne Heart at the end of last season and goes straight into the squad for tonight’s game against his old club Newcastle Jets.

“I couldn’t be happier,” the 31-year-old midfielder said.  “I’m a Sydney boy so it’s fantastic to be coming home and playing in front of my home crowd.”

Head Coach Frank Farina said he was happy to be adding Thompson’s experience to the squad:  “Matt has proven quality in this league and his signing is a boost to Sydney FC. 

"We’ve completed the paperwork so he is a chance to make his debut in tonight’s season opener.”

Thompson has the record for making the most appearances in the Hyundai A-League after a five year spell with the Jets followed by three years with the Heart.

“To get the chance to face my former club in my first game as a Sydney FC player is very special for me,” he said.  “I’m looking forward to it immensely.”

Thompson was was one of several high profile dumpings by Heart at the end of last season and recently trialled for Wellington Phoenix.

He has made 203 Hyundai A-League appearances, scoring 26 goals. He has also represented the Socceroos on four occasions.