North signs with Brisbane

Socceroo Jade North has joined A-League champions Brisbane Roar on a three-and-a-half year deal.

It is a welcome return to Australian football for the 31-year-old North, with the Roar becoming his fourth A-League club after Perth Glory, Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix.

North makes the switch to Queensland from relegated J.League outfit Consadole Sapporo, as he hopes to keep his hat in the ring to add to his 39 caps for Australia.

His arrival at Suncorp Stadium also comes the same day the Roar offloaded midfielder Rocky Visconte to the Western Sydney Wanderers, in an active day for the Brisbane club.

North said he was hoping to continue what has been a successful period at Brisbane in recent seasons.

“I’m looking forward to putting one foot forward and contributing to the legacy Brisbane Roar has created over the past two seasons and doing all I can to help add to the trophy cabinet,” North said.

“For me it’s exciting to know I will be playing in front of family and friends, but most importantly for the city which groomed me as a player.

“From a personal point of view I would like to acknowledge and thank Brisbane for the professionalism the club has shown throughout discussions and negotiations with my manager Buddy Farah.”

Brisbane coach Mike Mulvey said North’s acquisition will bolster their experience at the back.

“Jade has an excellent footballing pedigree and will bring a great deal of experience and knowledge to our squad,” Mulvey said.

“He is a proven winner and has a great appetite for future success.

“Aside from footballing ability, these are key attributes we are looking to bring into our squad to help maintain the culture of success at the club.”