Macarthur Bulls sign veteran Mariappa to bolster defence

But the latest leg of the 35-year-old's journey has brought him to Macarthur FC, as the most recent signing for the club.

The veteran defender has played almost 400 professional career matches, not including his national appearances, for a range of UK-based teams including Watford, Reading, Crystal Palace, and Bristol City.

He made his Jamaican debut in 2012, by virtue of his maternal grandparents who both live in the Caribbean nation, and has since gone on to captain the team seven times.

Although the majority of Mariappa's career has been based in England, where he was born, the opportunity to play for the Bulls was one he felt he couldn't refuse.

"I want to thank the owners and the football staff for having faith in me and making this happen," Mariappa said.

"When the opportunity to join the Bulls arrived, it was one I couldn't turn down. It's an exciting new challenge for me in my career and that for me is what I thrive off.

"I'm hungry to achieve great things with the club and create new memories with the team and the fans."

Macarthur has made a point of signing highly-experienced players in the lead-up to the 2021/22 season, and head coach Ante Milicic said Mariappa would be an invaluable addition to their ranks.

"I'm thrilled that the club has been able to secure a player of Adrian's quality and experience," Milicic said.

"Although he has never played A-League before, I'm most certain he will make a seamless adjustment given the career he has had so far.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Adrian settle into the squad and contribute to the team throughout 2021/22 A-League season."

Macarthur FC most recently completed a thrilling 1-0 victory over Sydney FC on Saturday, and currently sit fourth in the rankings with one win and one draw from their two matches so far.

Up next, they play the Central Coast Mariners this Sunday, December 5, from 4.05pm at Penrith Stadium.

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