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Lucas Neill joins Sydney FC

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill has agreed to terms with Sydney FC after a lucrative 11th hour bid from the A-League club.

The 34-year-old defender looked poised to join Melbourne Heart before accepting a more attractive offer from the Sky Blues.

He will now play alongside Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero and Socceroos teammate Brett Emerton and should line up for their round 22 clash with Melbourne Heart on Sunday week.

"I'm a Sydney boy and I'm excited to be coming back to Australia to play club football in front of friends and family with Sydney FC," said Neill in a statement.

"I worked with Frank for many years in the Socceroos and I look back on those times with good memories, and it's great to have the chance to enjoy further success together at Sydney FC."

Melbourne fans are sure to greet him with a frosty reception when he runs onto AAMI Park after turning down the offer to join the Heart.

Sydney coach Frank Farina had declared his interest in the national veteran on Thursday.

"We haven't ruled it out, put it that way, though we haven't had any discussions yet."

The addition of the experienced Neill will be a sure boost for Sydney as they strive for a spot in the A-League finals.