Fowler joins Australian side Fury

Fowler made just three starts for Blackburn Rovers

Former England star Robbie Fowler has joined Australian A-League side North Queensland Fury on a two-year deal.

Fowler, 33, had been without a club since being released by Blackburn Rovers in December 2008.

The ex-Liverpool, Manchester City, Leeds United and Cardiff City striker will link up with Fury in July ahead of their debut A-League season.

"Everything Fury coach Ian Ferguson put on the table and showed me was first class," said Fowler.

"The enthusiasm and drive of everyone at the club is fantastic.

"It's a huge decision for my family but it's also an opportunity to continue my football career in a truly wonderful part of the world."

606: DEBATE Have your say on Fowler's transfer

Fowler, who won 26 England caps, started his career with Liverpool in 1993.

During his first spell at Anfield he played 236 times, scoring 120 goals, and won the Uefa Cup, the FA Cup and the League Cup before leaving in 2001.

Injury-hit spells at Leeds and Manchester City followed before he made a shock return to Liverpool in January 2006.

After 18 months at Anfield that saw him score another 12 goals in 39 games, he spent a season at Cardiff City before joining Blackburn on three-month deal in September 2008.

He found first team opportunities hard to come by at Ewood Park and, after making just three starts, his contract was not renewed by Rovers.

Fowler was wanted by a number of Australian clubs, including Sydney FC, who had made an attempt to sign the Liverpudlian in 2007.

Robbie is more than just a goal scorer - although he certainly knows where the net is - he links up play and he knows how to position himself to get other players involved Fury coach Ian Ferguson on Fowler

There was also interest from several teams in China but Fowler eventually opted for Fury, who are preparing for their first season in the A-League.

"I've admired him as a player for a long time and it's just fantastic to have him signed," said Ferguson.

"Robbie is more than just a goal scorer - although he certainly knows where the net is - he links up play and he knows how to position himself to get other players involved.

"I knew he was serious about our offer when he came to Townsville. There was a real commitment shown by flying out to meet personally with us and to see the facilities and the lifestyle we're able to offer him and his family."

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