CHELSEA SIGN MARK SCHWARZER:






Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on a free transfer.

The Australian international has signed a one-year contract that will keep him with the club until next summer's World Cup in Brazil, for which he helped his country seal qualification last month.

'It's a phenomenal club,' he said upon signing. 'It's one of the biggest and best clubs in the world, and it's an honour to sign for Chelsea. I didn't take much convincing to come here.'

Schwarzer, 40, brings with him a wealth of experience after more than 15 years in England with Bradford City, Middlesbrough and most recently Fulham, and last season became the first overseas player to have made 500 Premier League appearances.

Born in Sydney, Schwarzer began his career with Marconi Stallions before moving to Europe with German side Dynamo Dresden in 1994, which was followed by a short spell in the Bundesliga with Kaiserslautern.

A move to England followed in 1996, with Bradford City the platform from which Schwarzer signed for Middlesbrough, going on to play more than 400 times in 11 years, lifting the League Cup in 2003 and appearing in the 2006 UEFA Cup final against Sevilla.

In 2008, he moved south to west London with Fulham, spending five years at Craven Cottage, where he made 220 appearances.

Schwarzer made his international debut in 1994, and has since represented Australia 108 times, including at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.



http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/3233254/title/chelsea-sign-mark-schwarzer

Great signing imo.

Yep, brilliant signing. Free, experienced, already settled in London, and won't unnerve the various young keepers at the club. Not to mention, no more sweating bullets whenever Cech is out  



It also virtually guarantees Courtois will return next year which will be interesting.

On 9 July 2013, Schwarzer signed a ten-year contract with Premier League side Chelsea

Wiki

 

FIRST WORDS: MARK SCHWARZER
http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/3233255/title/first-words-mark-schwarzer


Official first interview.

Fantastic signing. I am sure I won't hear the end of it while away, the Aussies love him.

I hope this means Hilario is released and we sign a backup English GK or promote Blackman.


Overall, I am really happy with this, good luck to him!

Pretty much the most sensible signing this summer IMO.

Australia needs you playing every week Mark, not sitting on our bench

I am disappoint

fatman123 wrote: Australia needs you playing every week Mark, not sitting on our bench

I am disappoint

TOUGH

fatman123 wrote: Australia needs you playing every week Mark, not sitting on our bench

I am disappoint

The coaching + training he'll be getting is far above what he would get anywhere else. While that might not be as good as first team experience every match I believe he'll get better for being at the club. I'm thrilled with this decision, we finally have a #2 who I don't have to freak out every time we are missing Cech for a match.

40 is the new 20! Schwarzer shows no sign of stopping and wants to continue defying his age at Chelsea:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2376098/Mark-Schwarzer-shows-sign-stopping-wants-continue-Chelsea.html



Decent piece here with Mark talking about his career, his longevity, and his delight at signing for a club at Chelsea's level.

So Mark has been dropped from the Socceroos for their upcoming games against France and Canada.

Another destroyed career on Mou's CV #kidding

I think when it comes to it, Schwarzer will start for the WC and I think that is all he cares about.

He knew the risk in joining Chelsea over a club he'd be playing week-in week-out at.

Another thing to note is they are just friendlies but still would be interesting to see his reaction.

He'll probably go out and have a blinder against Swindon.

I should think so. Swindon are bobbins.

Schwarzer retires from the Socceroos.

Looks like he won't be going to Brazil, I can see him announcing his full retirement at the end of this season.

Great player he has been for Australia, I think he'll be missed.

Hmm, rather abrupt decision.

It is, I think we all thought he'd go to Brazil.

I wouldnt want to be on that plane to Brazil if i were him, the 'roos are going to be piss poor at the WC

Would be nice if Mou could give him one game in the CL though, maybe on the last group game if first place is already wrapped up