Robbie Fowler signs with Perth

Liverpool great Robbie Fowler signed Tuesday with Perth Glory for the 2010/11 Australian domestic season, ending speculation about the former England international’s new playing home.

The 35-year-old marquee player’s future was thrown open after his club, North Queensland Fury, underwent financial restructuring.

“This is vindication that everything we are doing at Perth Glory is on track,” club chairman Tony Sage said.

“Robbie had a number of clubs chasing his signature, both in the Hyundai A-League and from the Middle East and we’re delighted he’s decided to join Perth Glory.”

Fowler, the highest profile overseas player to compete in the Australian competition, had reportedly been approached by Sydney FC and had made it clear he wanted to remain playing Down Under.

“I loved it there, it was brilliant,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald of his time in tropical north Queensland. “It wasn’t just Townsville, it was Australia.”

Fowler will join the Perth team after one season with the Fury, for which he scored nine goals in 26 games.

“It’s exciting for football fans in Western Australia that a legend has decided to play for us,” Sage added.

Under Football Federation Australia rules, each club is allowed one international and one local marquee player whose salaries fall outside the salary cap. Mile Sterjovski is Perth’s Australian marquee.