Schwarzer, who has signed a two-year deal, confirmed the move ahead of Australia's friendly against Ghana in Sydney on Friday.

Schwarzer, explaining his decision on his arrival in Sydney, said: "I thought it was important to sort it out sooner rather than later so it didn't affect preparations for the qualifiers."

He added: "I was very confident something would be sorted out. I had a few other options but felt this was the best one for me.

"I don't think anyone can say anything negative about my stay at Middlesbrough, I fulfilled every contract I had with them."

Schwarzer, 35, had been linked with Bayern Munich in Germany as well as a possible move to Italy.