Aussie striker Aloisi moves to Melbourne Heart

Former international striker John Aloisi has become new Australian A-League team Melbourne Heart’s biggest signing after he agreed a one-year deal, officials said on Monday.

Aloisi, 34, is the eighth player signed by the Heart but easily the highest profile and will play what is likely to be the final season of his career in 2010-11 before moving into a coaching role with the foundation club.

The forward, who converted the penalty that put Australia through to the 2006 World Cup, played the last two seasons with A-League champions Sydney FC.

A hamstring injury sidelined him from Sydney’s grand final win over Melbourne Victory this month.

“I want to end on a high and there’s nothing better than finishing as a winner,” Aloisi told reporters at the official announcement.

“That’s why I’ve come here. I want to win things still as a player and then as a coach learn from the best.”

Aloisi, who made 55 international appearances up until 2008, will join another ex-Sydney player, goalkeeper Clint Bolton, at the Heart along with Matt Thompson, Dean Heffernan and Dutchman Rutger Worm.

The Heart, who will be coached by Dutchman John van ‘t Schip, will make their A-League debut in the season starting in August.