Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay has rated the Sky Blues' signing of former Juventus and Bayern Munich star Douglas Costa as 'up there' in grandeur with the highest profile acquisition in A-League history, that of Italian great Alessandro Del Piero.
Brazilian winger Costa has joined the Sydneysiders on a two-year marquee deal in a much-needed boost for the A-League.
The 33-year-old Brazilian winger is a serial silverware winner, with his haul including five trophies with Bayern - one of which being the FIFA Club World Cup - six with Juventus and 11 with Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk.
Costa's success had helped foster an off-field profile highlighted by having more than 13 million followers across his social media platforms.
'He is one of the most high-profile footballers to ever play on these shores and the eyes of the football world will be on Sydney FC and the A-League this season,' Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow said.
'Douglas is a proven winner, and his record of titles in the world's top leagues is testament to that.
'This is yet another landmark signing in our club's history and we welcome Douglas to Australia.'
Sydney FC have signed former Juventus and Bayern Munich star Douglas Costa
The club regards the signing as just as important as when the Sky Blues secured the services of Italian great Alessandro Del Piero
Costa, who will arrive in Sydney later this week, most recently played for Brazilian club Fluminense.
'I have been part of some incredible teams throughout my career, winning many titles and I have come to Sydney FC to win more,' said Costa, who made 31 appearances for Brazil between 2014 and 2018.
'Football is in my blood and I arrive in Australia to raise the game in this country, entertain the passionate sporting public and bring silverware to Sydney FC.
'I'm excited to get to know the people, the country and seeing all the fans of every club.'
Talay said Costa's signing was a 'statement' of Sydney's intent, rating in on par with the club's snaring of another former Juventus star, Del Piero, who played for the Sky Blues from 2012 to 2014
'Douglas, he's up there with that,' the Sydney coach said in comparing the two signings
'They played in the same competition (Italian Serie A). They are different type of players ... but you look at Douglas' career and what he's achieved in his career, I think he's up there with Del Piero.
'We look at Douglas as a world-class player, and the great thing about him is he can play in multiple positions, and I always set up a team to put the players where they can use their best attributes more often, so we'll find a way to get the best out of Douglas.
'People that love football, who understand the game, will know who Douglas is. Hopefully, with his following that he has on social media we'll get our brand out there ... and also football lovers will come out to see such a quality player in the A-League.'
Talay was confident Costa's first competitive appearance for the Sky Blues would be the club's opening AFC Champions League 2 match on September 19 at Jubilee Oval against Hong Kong outfit Eastern FC.