SYDNEY: Japanese midfielder Hirofumi Moriyasu has signed a one-year contract to play for Australian A-League champions Sydney FC, the club said on Wednesday.

Moriyasu, 24, impressed Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka in four pre-season matches, including a substitute appearance against Everton.

He revealed he had been considering giving up the game.

"Something tweaked inside me when I was close to quitting. I knew I had to come and try out here. This is unbelievable," said Moriyasu, who arrived in Australia earlier this year.

"I just bought a ticket to Australia so I am just so happy right now."

Moriyasu, who was born in the United States before moving to Japan and playing lower division club football, is in contention to play for Sydney on Sunday in another pre-season game, against AEK Athens.

BDST: 1649hrs, July 21, 2010