Perth Glory FC are delighted to announce the signing of skilful Spanish midfielder Andreu Guerao who has joined the club on a one-year deal.
The 34-year-old’s arrival here in the West will see him link up once again with compatriot and former Malaga and Sporting Gijon teammate Diego Castro, along with three other ex-colleagues in Liam Reddy, Scott Neville and Mitch Nichols.
Andreu and the Aussie trio were part of the Western Sydney Wanderers squad that reached the 2016 Hyundai A-League Grand Final and the new recruit is looking forward to renewing acquaintances.
“I’m good friends with those guys,” he said. “When I left Wanderers, I still spoke to them often and it’s great to be back with them because we have a very good relationship on and off the field.
“With Diego, we played five years together and are very good friends, so I’m really happy to be with him again here at Glory.”
A product of Barcelona’s legendary La Masia academy, Andreu played alongside the likes of Lionel Messi in the Catalan club’s ‘C’ and ‘B’ teams before moving on to Malaga ‘B’ where he spent the 2005-06 season.
It was at Malaga that he first crossed paths with future Glory teammate Castro and the pair duly combined again at Sporting Gijon where they helped the club secure promotion back to La Liga.
Following four campaigns with the Asturian side, Andreu opted to move abroad for the first time, joining Polish outfit Polonia Warsaw where he worked under compatriot and former Barcelona captain, Josi Mari Bakero.
Scoring the goal that secured Polonia’s first victory over arch-rivals Legia Warsaw for ten years was the highlight of his one-season stint at the club, but after moving on, he enjoyed less game time during brief stints with Dinamo Tbilisi, Auckland City and back in Poland at Lechia Gdansk.
It was a return to Spain in 2013 that saw him recapture his best form as he became a midfield fixture for Racing Santander, making more than 60 appearances over the course of the next two seasons.
Western Sydney was his next port of call and after a brief interlude at Greek second-tier club, Aris Thessaloniki, the Catalan was keen to make a return to Australia.
“This is a new challenge in my career and I’m really happy,” he said.
“Perth Glory is a great club and since I’ve been here, everyone has been great, from the players and coaches to the office staff.
“I’m really excited about the challenge ahead.”
Glory Head Coach Kenny Lowe, meanwhile, is similarly excited by what the proven A-League performer will bring to his squad.
“We’re thrilled to have signed a player of Andreu’s quality, experience and character,” he said.
“He has great technical ability and composure on the ball along with a superb range of passing that will enable him to link the team from back to front.
“All his former colleagues that we now have at the club have spoken very highly of him not only as a very good footballer, but also as a top guy.
“I am sure he will be fantastic for us as a leader. We don’t have too many guys over 30 in the squad, so his experience and know-how will be invaluable.
“Having so many familiar faces around, allied to his knowledge of the Hyundai A-League and ability to speak the language, will help him settle in quickly and gel with the rest of the squad.”
Andreu has been handed the number 18 shirt for the forthcoming season.
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