The signing of Juninho, an integral member of Brazil's 2002 World Cup winning team, ends the club's long search for a marquee player after Dwight Yorke returned to England 11 months ago.

"I think it's a new experience for me and a great opportunity for me to go to Australia," Juninho said at a press conference at Sydney Football Stadium.

"I came because the club was interested in Juninho and that made me make my head up to sign with them."

Sydney FC chief executive officer George Perry said that Juninho was the A-League's biggest-ever signing.

"Juninho is a true superstar of the world game, a household name to football fans around the globe," Perry said in a statement. "We're thrilled to welcome him aboard."

Coach Branko Culina said it was a relief to have secured the 34-year-old ahead of the A-League season opener on August 24.

Juninho's signing came after former Liverpool ace Robbie Fowler rejected an offer from the club.

"As a World Cup winner, Juninho brings a wealth of experience at the highest possible level to Sydney FC," Culina said. "It's not often that you get to work with someone of his phenomenal footballing ability.

"Not only is Juninho's signing great news for Sydney FC but also for Australian football in general. It demonstrates how the far the game has come in this country over the past few years," he added.

Under A-League rules, clubs can sign a marquee player whose wages are exempted from the team's salary cap as a means of raising the sport's profile in Australia.

Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke filled the role in 2006, helping Sydney FC to the inaugural A-League title before moving back to Britain with Sunderland.

Juninho, who made 50 appearances for Brazil between 1995 and 2003, has also played for Sao Paulo, Middlesbrough, Atletico Madrid, Vasco da Gama, Flamengo, Celtic and Palmeiras.