Socceroo makes long-awaited A-League Men return

The 30-year-old most recently played for Spanish club Castellon, where his form earned him a return to the Socceroos fold ahead of the World Cup, but played most of his overseas games at Danish club Midtjylland.

Mabil, who has Champions League and Europa League experience, has played at the past two World Cups. He has 10 goals to his credit and 39 caps.

"After spending more than a decade playing in Europe, I'm really excited to be coming home to Australia and beginning this new journey with Melbourne City," Mabil said.

"Following Australian football from afar in recent years, it's impossible not to be impressed by what Melbourne City has built.

"The ambition, the standards and the success the club has achieved made this an opportunity I really wanted to be part of."

Mabil appeared in Australia's round-of-16 loss to Egypt off the bench, scoring his spot-kick in the penalty shootout.

The winger also played a crucial leadership role in the Socceroos squad, mentoring the likes of Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure.

Former refugee Mabil also earned acclaim during and after the World Cup when he said the Socceroos represented a modern, multicultural Australia.

The winger now joins fellow Socceroos Aziz Behich and Mathew Leckie at City, who are hoping to rebound from last season's elimination-final exit.

"Awer is one of Australia's most accomplished footballers and we're incredibly excited to welcome him to Melbourne City," football director Michael Petrillo said.

"To attract a player of his calibre is a significant moment for our club and reflects the environment, culture and football program we've built over a number of years.

"Awer's quality on the pitch speaks for itself, but just as importantly he's an outstanding person who has consistently made a positive impact away from football through his work in the community."

Mabil's move followed that of Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine, who on Wednesday evening completed a move from FC St. Pauli, where he was the captain, to J1 League club Cerezo Osaka.

"I'm incredibly excited to be coming to the hottest football nation in the world and joining a new league and a club with huge potential," Irvine said in a statement on Cerezo's website.

"I hope I can use my experience and quality to help the team become even better."

Elsewhere, young gun Irankunda is expected to join Portuguese giants Sporting CP from Championship club Watford.