Sydney sign Ghoochannejhad on loan

Sydney FC have strengthened their attack by signing former Iran international Reza Ghoochannejhad on loan from APOEL until the end of the season.

Ghoochannejhad joined the Cypriot club ahead of the 2018-19 campaign and scored two goals in 15 games before his loan move.

The 31-year-old retired from international duty last year, having scored 17 goals in 44 appearances for Iran, including at the 2014 World Cup.

"I'm excited to be joining Sydney FC and looking forward to the challenge of the A-League and AFC Champions League," Ghoochannejhad said.

"To be joining Australia's most successful club is a fantastic move for me, and to test myself against the best in Australia and Asia will be an unbelievable experience.

CONFIRMED | Meet your new Sky Blue! @gh_reza signs on loan for the remainder of the season! - https://t.co/EGZnsAod6l #SydneyIsSkyBlue #ComeWithUs pic.twitter.com/fNnmStBB7h
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) January 29, 2019

"Sydney FC's record in recent times is phenomenal and they have some fantastic players.

"I can't wait to link up with my new team-mates, help them add to their success and bring more trophies to the club."

With 11 games to go in the regular season, the Sky Blues are third in the A-League table, five points behind leaders Perth Glory.

The signing of Ghoochannejhad – who has previously played for the likes of Charlton Athletic and Heerenveen – is also a boost for Sydney ahead of the AFC Champions League, in which they will face Kawasaki Frontale, Shanghai SIPG and a play-off winner in Group H.